By Chisom Ibemere
Cacoxenite is a rare iron aluminum phosphate mineral discovered in 1825. It is often found as an accessory mineral in various types of rocks in association with iron ores and phosphates.
Its name is derived from the Greek words “kakos,” meaning bad, and “xenos,” meaning stranger.
Cacoxenite is found in oxidized iron ore deposits and hydrothermal veins. It can also form as an alteration product of other phosphate minerals.
It is found in various locations around the world, including the Czech Republic, Austria, England, France, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
Cacoxenite is primarily valued for its aesthetic qualities rather than its practical uses. It is a popular mineral among collectors and is often used in jewelry, especially in gemstone beads or as inclusions in quartz or amethyst.
Cacoxenite specimens with vibrant colors and interesting formations are sought after by mineral enthusiasts.
Cacoxenite is an iron aluminum phosphate mineral which forms as small, needle-like crystals or aggregates. It posses various colors such as yellow, brown, reddish-brown, and golden yellow.
It often appears as a coating or inclusion within other minerals, such as quartz or amethyst. It is typically translucent to opaque with a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Its density ranges from 2.9 to 3.1 g/cm³.
Cacoxenite’s is mainly associated as a collector’s mineral. Its aesthetic appeal and rarity make it valuable to mineral enthusiasts and gemstone collectors.
Its inclusion in quartz or amethyst can enhance the visual appeal of these gemstones, adding an interesting and unique feature. However, its commercial use or economic value beyond the realm of mineral collecting is minimal.