Wavellite Specimen Mauldin Mountain Pit Mount Ida Arkansas

An attractive natural Wavellite specimen from the famous Mauldin Mountain Pit near Mount Ida, Arkansas, one of the world's best-known localities for producing high-quality wavellite. This specimen showcases the distinctive radiating crystal structure that has made wavellite a favorite among mineral collectors for generations.

The Mauldin Mountain deposits are renowned for producing exceptional wavellite displaying spherical to hemispherical crystal aggregates composed of countless radiating blades. These formations often exhibit beautiful shades of green, yellow-green, olive, cream, and tan depending on composition and growth conditions.

Specimen Highlights

• Natural Wavellite
• Mauldin Mountain Pit locality
• Mount Ida, Arkansas
• Classic radiating crystal formation
• Collector-quality locality specimen
• Natural mineral display piece

Mineralogy

• Mineral: Wavellite
• Chemical Formula: Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH,F)₃·5H₂O
• Crystal System: Orthorhombic
• Typical Habit: Radiating spheres and rosettes
• Luster: Vitreous to silky

The Mauldin Mountain Pit is considered one of the premier wavellite localities in North America and has produced some of the finest collector specimens ever recovered. Well-developed examples display the characteristic starburst or fireworks-like crystal growth pattern that makes wavellite instantly recognizable.

Collectors prize Arkansas wavellite for:

• Classic radiating crystal sprays
• Historic collecting locality
• Attractive natural colors
• Distinctive crystal habit
• Strong display appeal
• Limited locality production

Depending on the specimen, natural features may include:

• Radiating crystal spheres
• Botryoidal formations
• Starburst crystal patterns
• Green to yellow-green coloration
• Matrix contrast
• Multiple crystal generations

Wavellite from Mount Ida remains highly sought after among:

• Arkansas mineral collectors
• Phosphate mineral enthusiasts
• American locality collectors
• Historic mining locality collections
• Museum and educational displays
• Advanced mineral collections

The Mauldin Mountain locality is widely regarded as producing some of the finest wavellite specimens available to collectors, making pieces from this area especially desirable when compared to more common occurrences worldwide.

A beautiful example of one of Arkansas's most iconic collector minerals and an excellent addition to any mineral collection.

Condition

Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, crystal quality, color, matrix, and natural growth features, as they are considered part of the description. Mineral specimens commonly exhibit natural fractures, contact points, and growth characteristics resulting from their natural formation.

Measurements

• Dimensions: 36 x 25 x 21 mm
• Mounted on acrylic display base