Glossary:Vivianite

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Vivianite
An iron phosphate mineral Fe3(PO4)2.8H2O sometimes seen on bone that crystallises in reduced, biologically rich environments. It has white needle like crystals that oxidise rapidly on exposure to air, turning into a strickingly blue powder.

Source
Adapted from: English Heritage (2004) Geoarchaeology: Using earth sciences to understand the archaeological record. UK: English Heritage Publishing.

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