View source for Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates

A large class of [[minerals]] includes [[compounds]] of [[metallic]] [[elements]] with the '''[[phosphate]]''' ([[phosphorus|P]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup>), '''[[arsenate]]''' ([[arsenic|As]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup>), and the '''vanadate''' ([[vanadium|V]][[oxygen|O]]<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup>).  radicals. Several members of this class, including [[apatite]] and [[monazite]], are [[primary mineral]]s, but most are [[secondary mineral|secondary]] and are formed through alteration of metallic-ore minerals, such as [[sulfide]]s 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]]. 

==Sources==
*Chesterman, Charles W. ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals'', Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987), ''p. 471''

[[Category:Mineralogy]]
[[Category:Soil]]
[[Category:Ions]]