Comparison · Hydroxide Minerals vs Phosphate Minerals
Brucite vs Wavellite
Brucite and Wavellite are easy to confuse. Wavellite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Brucite (Mohs 2.5), so Wavellite will scratch Brucite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Brucite and Wavellite
- Wavellite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Brucite (Mohs 2.5), so Wavellite will scratch Brucite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- They overlap in white, green, and yellow, but Brucite also comes in blue and gray and Wavellite also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Brucite is trigonal, Wavellite is orthorhombic.
Brucite vs Wavellite properties
| Property | Brucite | Wavellite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hydroxide Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 | 3.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.4 | 2.36 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | White, Pale green, Pale blue, Yellow, Gray | Green, Yellow, White, Brown |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$250+ | $8–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Wavellite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $45 against $40 for Brucite, and premium Wavellite can reach $250 or more.
About Brucite
Brucite is a soft magnesium hydroxide mineral that forms platy, foliated, or fibrous masses with a pearly to vitreous luster. It is usually white but can be pale green, blue, or yellow, and is a notable ore of magnesium.
About Wavellite
Wavellite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate famous for its radiating, spherical crystal aggregates. When a specimen is broken, the fan-like internal structure forms a distinctive starburst pattern that makes wavellite a collector favorite.
Brucite vs Wavellite FAQ
Is Brucite the same as Wavellite?
No. Brucite is a hydroxide mineral while Wavellite is a phosphate mineral. Wavellite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Brucite (Mohs 2.5), so Wavellite will scratch Brucite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Brucite from Wavellite?
Wavellite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Brucite (Mohs 2.5), so Wavellite will scratch Brucite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. They overlap in white, green, and yellow, but Brucite also comes in blue and gray and Wavellite also comes in brown. Well-formed crystals give it away: Brucite is trigonal, Wavellite is orthorhombic.
Which is harder, Brucite or Wavellite?
Wavellite is harder: Mohs 3.75 against Mohs 2.5 for Brucite.
Which is more valuable, Brucite or Wavellite?
Wavellite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $45 against $40 for Brucite, and premium Wavellite can reach $250 or more.
