Wardite
A variety of Wardite Group
What is Wardite?
Wardite is a rare and fairly obscure mineral that may be found in hues ranging from blue to green to milky to colorless. Because its crystals tend to take on a rare form (they are tetragonal trapezohedral), this mineral is often sought after by collectors. Soft and brittle, it is rarely cut into gemstones.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.590-1.599
- Birefringence
- 0.009
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Wardite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Wardite Localities Map
See where Wardite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Wardite
It occurs with variscite in phospatic nodules and occurs uncommonly in pegmatites and phosphate deposits through alteration of amblygonite. Wardite was named for Henry Augustus Ward (1834–1906) of the University of Rochester in New York. It first described in 1896 for an occurrence in Clay Canyon, Fairfield, Utah County, Utah, US. Though rare it has been reported from many locations worldwide.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, lightly coloured blue to green, yellow-green, light yellow, brown, colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5
- Density
- 2.805 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Tetragonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 2H2O
- Elements
- Al, H, Na, O, P
Also Known As
Identify Wardite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Wardite FAQs
How do I identify Wardite?
Wardite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color, Vitreous luster, Tetragonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Wardite?
Wardite typically appears in Colourless, white, lightly coloured blue to green, yellow-green, light yellow, brown, colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Wardite?
Wardite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of wardite of Wardite?
It occurs with variscite in phospatic nodules and occurs uncommonly in pegmatites and phosphate deposits through alteration of amblygonite. Wardite was named for Henry Augustus Ward (1834–1906) of the University of Rochester in New York. It first described in 1896 for an occurrence in Clay Canyon, Fairfield, Utah County, Utah, US. Though rare it has been reported from many locations worldwide.