Diadochite - Encyclopedia

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Hydrated phosphates
    Crystal system : Triclinic
    Chemistry : Fe₂(PO₄)(SO₄)(OH) 5H₂O
    Rarity : Common

Diadochite (formerly called destinezite) is a complex hydrated phosphate which admits in its structure a certain number of SO₄ groups to replace PO₄ groups. It is a secondary mineral formed by degradation of primary phosphates, hence its name which comes from the Greek diadokhos (successor). It is found in varied environments : gossans, coal deposits, granite pegmatites but also, more anecdotally, on guano crusts in caves. Diadochite is a recently formed phosphate which sometimes appears in mine galleries. It accompanies a sometimes large procession of primary and secondary phosphates, and sulfates. Diadochite is rarely crystallized in six-sided lamellar microcrystals, more commonly in reniform, botryoidal or stalactitic aggregates, sometimes collomorphic. A mineral of sometimes current formation, its atoms have not always had time to organize themselves and diadochite is also commonly amorphous, in earthy or glassy masses. Its color is in different tones of brown, red-brown, yellow and orange, sometimes greenish-yellow.

Main photo : Diadochite from Old strip mine, Jackson Township, Coshocton County, Ohio, USA © Chris Emproto

No twin known for this mineral species.

No fakes listed for this mineral species.