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This is a large class of [[minerals]], and includes [[compounds]] of [[metallic]] [[elements]] with the [[phosphate]], [[arsenate]], and the [[vanadate]] radicals. Several members of this class, including [[apatite]] and [[monazite]], are [[primary minerals]], but most are [[secondary minerals|secondary]] and are formed through alteration of metallic-ore minerals, such as [[sulfides]] of [[copper]], [[iron]], [[lead]], and [[zinc]]. In general, most of these minerals are soft and [[brittle]], and often occur in small inconspicuous masses or [[crystals]]. Many are brightly colored and yield very colorful [[specimens]]. Chesterman, p. 471

A large class of [[minerals]] includes [[compounds]] of [[metallic]] [[elements]] with the '''[[phosphate]]''', '''[[arsenate]]''', and the '''[[vanadate]]''' radicals. Several members of this class, including [[apatite]] and [[monazite]], are [[primary minerals]], but most are [[secondary minerals|secondary]] and are formed through alteration of metallic-ore minerals, such as [[sulfides]] of [[copper]], [[iron]], [[lead]], and [[zinc]]. In general, most of these minerals are soft and [[brittle]], and often occur in small inconspicuous masses or [[crystals]]. Many are brightly colored and yield very colorful [[specimens]]. Chesterman, p. 471

=Sources=

=Sources=

*Chesterman, Charles W. ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals'', Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987)

*Chesterman, Charles W. ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals'', Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987)

[[category:geology]]

[[category:geology]]