Phosphates & Oxides
Phosphate
What it is
Minerals built around the phosphate ion (PO₄). Apatite is the most common phosphate and comes in many colors. Turquoise is a hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate. Variscite is the rarer green cousin of turquoise.
How it forms
Forms in a variety of environments: igneous pegmatites (apatite), weathering zones of copper deposits (turquoise), and in phosphate-rich sedimentary rocks.
XPO₄ — Metal + Phosphate ion
Specimens
5 stones
Apatite
Clarity · Throat
Created in high-heat igneous rocks.
Fluorapatite
Clarity · Throat
Common mineral in igneous rocks.
Turquoise
Protection · Throat
Evaporation of water in arid deserts.
Variscite
Calm · Heart
Groundwater reacting with phosphate.
Xenotime
Grounding · Crown
Rare element concentration in granite.