YARROWITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Yarrowite is a mineral that belongs to the group of rare earth carbonates. It is named after its discovery locality at Yarrow Peak in the southern Lake District of Cumbria, England. Its chemical formula is (Na,Ca)4(Ce,La)3CO3(PO4)5, and it is commonly classified as a complex hydrated carbonate-phosphate. Yarrowite usually occurs as small and irregularly shaped crystals, often exhibiting a pale yellow to brown color.
This mineral is known to occur in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal mineral deposits, specifically in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites and granitic albitite veins. It is commonly associated with minerals like apatite, beryl, siderite, quartz, and feldspar.
Yarrowite has a hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, indicating it is relatively soft. Its specific gravity ranges from 3.66 to 3.78, making it moderately dense. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, displaying a prismatic habit and often forming aggregates or sheaves. The mineral is transparent to translucent, with a vitreous to pearly luster.
Due to its relative scarcity and limited occurrence, yarrowite is primarily valued as a collector's mineral and has little industrial significance. Its intricate crystal structure and aesthetic appeal contribute to its desirability among mineral enthusiasts and researchers studying rare earth minerals. Yarrowite's discovery and subsequent research have led to a better understanding of the geochemical processes involved in hydrothermal phosphate formation.
