Purpurite

Purpurite
General
Category Phosphate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Mn3+PO4
Strunz classification 8.AB.10
Crystal system Orthorhombic
Crystal class Dipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space group Pnmb
Identification
Formula mass 149.91 g/mol
Color Brownish black, violet, dark pink, dark red, reddish purple
Crystal habit Massive to granular
Cleavage [100] [001] perfect
Fracture Brittle - uneven
Mohs scale hardness 4-5
Luster Earthy
Streak red
Specific gravity 3.2 - 3.4
Optical properties Biaxial (+) 2V 38°
Refractive index nα = 1.850(2) nβ = 1.860(2) nγ = 1.920(2)
Birefringence δ = 0.070
Other characteristics non-radioactive, non-magnetic, non-fluorescent.
References [1][2][3]

Purpurite is a mineral, basically manganese phosphate, MnPO4 although with varying amounts of iron depending upon the source of the mineral. It is a striking pink purple color as might be expected of a manganese-containing mineral.[2]

Purpurite forms a series with the iron bearing endmember heterosite, FePO4.[3]

References

  1. Mineralienatlas
  2. 1 2 "Purpurite". Webminerals. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  3. 1 2 Mindat
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