WHEATLEYITE Meaning and
Definition
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Wheatleyite is a mineral that belongs to the group of rare-earth element phosphates. It was first discovered and named after its type locality in Wheatley mine, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, USA. Wheatleyite typically forms as fine-grained masses or aggregates within pegmatitic environments, and it is often associated with other phosphates such as triphylite and lithiophilite.
The mineral has a unique chemical composition, consisting primarily of calcium, yttrium, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms, with trace amounts of other elements. It exhibits a distinctive yellow to brownish color, although impurities or alterations may cause variation in its shade. Wheatleyite is translucent to transparent and has a vitreous luster.
In terms of its physical properties, wheatleyite has a Mohs hardness rating of 4 to 5, making it relatively soft. Its cleavage is absent, and its fracture is brittle. Wheatleyite is known for its high density, displaying a specific gravity ranging from 3.87 to 3.97.
Due to its scarcity and limited occurrence, wheatleyite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors, researchers, and scientists exploring the mineralogical diversity of phosphates within geological formations. Its crystal structure and chemical composition contribute to ongoing studies on the formation processes of rare-earth elements and their phosphates. Further investigation into wheatleyite may also provide insights into mineral exploration and extraction, as rare-earth elements are of significant importance in various technological and industrial applications.
Etymology of WHEATLEYITE
The word "wheatleyite" is derived from the name of an English chemist, Charles Ernest Wheatley (1870-1932), who first synthesized and studied the mineral. Wheatleyite is a rare mineral that was discovered in 1903 in a samarskite ore from Ytterby, Sweden. It was later found in various places around the world. The mineral was named in honor of Charles Ernest Wheatley for his contributions to the field of mineralogy and crystallography.
