AUGELITE Meaning and
Definition
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Augelite is a mineral that belongs to the phosphate group and has the chemical formula Al2(PO4)(OH)3. It was named after the Austrian mineralogist and chemist, Arnold von Augustin. Augelite is often found in granite pegmatites, aluminum-rich regionally metamorphosed rocks, and hydrothermal veins.
In terms of physical characteristics, augelite typically exhibits a colorless to white, gray, or pale yellow hue. It can occur in tabular or prismatic crystal forms, and its crystals are often vertically striated. The mineral has a vitreous to pearly luster and a perfect cleavage, meaning it can be easily split along certain planes. Augelite also has a relatively low specific gravity and a Mohs hardness of around 4.
One of the notable properties of augelite is its fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light, which causes it to emit a pale yellow or blue-green glow. This fluorescence is characteristic and helps in distinguishing augelite from other minerals.
Augelite is a relatively rare mineral and is considered a prized collector's item. While it does not have any significant industrial uses, it has gained importance in terms of scientific research due to its role as an aluminum phosphate mineral and its potential in revealing clues about geological processes. The mineral has been found in various locations worldwide, including Austria, Russia, Brazil, Peru, the United States, and Australia.
Etymology of AUGELITE
The word "augelite" derives from the Latin term "Augites" or "Augites lapis", meaning "stone of Augsburg". It was named after the city of Augsburg in Bavaria, Germany, where the first occurrences of this mineral were recognized and described in 1822 by the German mineralogist Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann. The suffix "-lite" is commonly used in mineralogy to denote a mineral or rock.
