Mineral Guide · Mineral
Diadochite is a hydrated iron phosphate commonly found as yellow, orange or brown earthy crusts in oxidised phosphate-bearing environments.
Diadochite is a hydrated iron phosphate commonly found as yellow, orange or brown earthy crusts in oxidised phosphate-bearing environments.
The reference formula is Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·8H2O. Diadochite is commonly poorly crystalline or amorphous, so it should not receive an artificial precise unit-cell model without a verified structure.
Typical colours include yellow, brown, orange, green. Its crusty, botryoidal, massive habit and earthy, dull lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Diadochite forms in or is associated with weathering of iron phosphates and phosphate-rich ore deposits. Important documented localities include Germany, the Czech Republic, the United States, Bolivia and Portugal.
Diadochite is best kept as a labelled reference or collector specimen. Protect fragile crystals from impact and avoid cutting or grinding unknown material. Lead-, arsenic-, vanadium- and copper-bearing specimens are for display and careful handling only.
Some modern crystal guides associate Diadochite with zodiac signs or symbolic themes based on colour, locality or collecting tradition. These associations vary between sources and are cultural interpretations, not mineralogical or medical properties.
Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 24 August 2026
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