mineral
Purpurite
Manganese iron phosphate, Mn3+(PO4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, vibrant purple to dark red-violet color, and a submetallic to dull luster. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with uneven fracture and perfect cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, vibrant purple to dark red-violet color, and a submetallic to dull luster. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with uneven fracture and perfect cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary mineral through the alteration of primary manganese-bearing phosphate minerals in granite pegmatites. It develops during the late-stage hydrothermal alteration of triphylite or lithiophilite.
Uses & applications
Primarily collected by mineral enthusiasts and lapidaries for display specimens or cabochons. Due to its softness, it is rarely used in commercial jewelry without protective settings.
Geological facts
Purpurite gets its intense purple hue from the presence of trivalent manganese. It was first described in 1910 from occurrences in South Dakota, USA.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive purple color contrasting with pegmatite matrix minerals like feldspar and quartz. It is commonly found in pegmatite deposits in the United States, Australia, and Sweden.
