Phosphates, arsenates and vanadates form the eighth class of the Strunz mineral classification. They are characterized by complex anion groups based on phosphorus, arsenic or vanadium. Minerals of this class show considerable chemical and structural diversity and form in a wide range of geological environments.

Among the best-known representatives are apatite, pyromorphite, vanadinite, adamite and monazite. Some of these minerals are widespread and occur as rock-forming or accessory minerals, while others are especially typical of hydrothermal deposits or the oxidation zones of ore bodies.

Apatite is one of the most important phosphate minerals and occurs in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It may occur as a rock-forming component or as well-developed crystals. Monazite is another important phosphate and is of particular mineralogical and economic interest because of its content of rare-earth elements.

Adamite is a zinc arsenate that typically forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of zinc-rich deposits. Well-developed crystals may be colorless, yellowish, greenish or bluish and are especially valued by collectors.

Pyromorphite and vanadinite are important representatives of lead phosphates and lead vanadates. Both commonly form as secondary minerals in the oxidation zones of lead deposits. Pyromorphite often develops green, yellowish or brown prismatic crystals, while vanadinite is especially known for its usually red to orange, commonly hexagonal-prismatic crystals.

Minerals of this class therefore form both in primary igneous and metamorphic systems and through secondary processes in weathering and oxidation zones. These secondary environments in particular can produce intensely colored and highly attractive collector minerals.

The Mineralien Weltweit range includes representatives of this mineral class such as adamite, apatite, monazite, pyromorphite and vanadinite. Each collector specimen is documented with precise locality information, dimensions, weight and original photographs.