Comparison · Phosphate Minerals
Pyromorphite vs Wavellite
Pyromorphite and Wavellite are easy to confuse because both are phosphate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Pyromorphite and Wavellite
- Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Luster is different: Pyromorphite is resinous while Wavellite is vitreous.
- Pyromorphite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7 versus 2.36 for Wavellite).
- They overlap in green, yellow, and brown, but Pyromorphite also comes in orange and Wavellite also comes in white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Pyromorphite is hexagonal, Wavellite is orthorhombic.
Pyromorphite vs Wavellite properties
| Property | Pyromorphite | Wavellite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Phosphate Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.75 | 3.75 |
| Luster | resinous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 7 | 2.36 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green, Yellow-green, Yellow, Brown, Orange | Green, Yellow, White, Brown |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$600+ | $8–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Pyromorphite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $45 for Wavellite, and premium Pyromorphite can reach $600 or more.
About Pyromorphite
Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral prized for its bright green to yellow-green color and barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals. It is dense, has a resinous luster, and forms in the weathered upper zones of lead deposits.
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.
Pyromorphite vs Wavellite FAQ
Is Pyromorphite the same as Wavellite?
No. Both are phosphate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Pyromorphite from Wavellite?
Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Luster is different: Pyromorphite is resinous while Wavellite is vitreous. Pyromorphite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7 versus 2.36 for Wavellite).
Which is harder, Pyromorphite or Wavellite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.75.
Which is more valuable, Pyromorphite or Wavellite?
Pyromorphite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $45 for Wavellite, and premium Pyromorphite can reach $600 or more.
