Which Minerals Include Phosphate? ThoughtCo
Feb 13, 2019#0183;#32;Variscite is a hydrous aluminum phosphate, Al(H 2 O) 2 (PO 4), with a Mohs hardness of around 4. It forms as a secondary mineral near the surface in places where clay minerals and phosphate minerals occur together. As these minerals break down, variscite forms in massive veins or crusts. Crystals are small and very rare.