What is Wagnerite?
Wagnerite is a magnesium phosphate fluoride found in phosphate-rich rocks and granitic pegmatites, where yellow to brown crystals can be highly attractive.
Mineralogy and structure
Reference formula: Mg2PO4F. Wagnerite is monoclinic and forms a fluorine-hydroxyl series toward triplite and wolfeite-related compositions. COD 2310756 is an exact Mg2PO4F structural reference. Wagnerite is classified with phosphates and has monoclinic crystal symmetry. Typical hardness is 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.1–3.2.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include yellow, yellow-green, brown, orange, colourless. The usual prismatic, granular, massive habit and vitreous, resinous lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Wagnerite forms in or is associated with phosphate-rich granitic pegmatites, metamorphic rocks and high-temperature fumarolic or contact environments. Important documented localities include Bavaria in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Bolivia, the United States and Brazil.
Warm colour in a rare-element phosphate
Wagnerite is commercially appealing when its honey-yellow to brown colour is paired with sharp prismatic form and a classic pegmatite or Bavarian locality.
Collecting and care
Protect from acids, scratches and strong impact; keep dry and retain locality and association details.
