Phosphophyllite
| Phosphophyllite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General | |
| Category | Phosphate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | hydrated zinc phosphate Zn2Fe(PO4)2•4H2O |
| Strunz classification | 08.CA.40 |
| Identification | |
| Formula mass | 448.40 g mol−1 |
| Color | blue-green to colourless |
| Crystal habit | prismatic |
| Crystal system | monoclinic |
| Twinning | common |
| Cleavage | [100] Perfect, [010] Distinct, [102] Distinct |
| Fracture | conchoidal |
| Mohs scale hardness | 3.5 |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | white |
| Diaphaneity | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.1 |
| Refractive index | 1.59-1.62 |
| Birefringence | 0.021 |
| Common impurities | Mn |
Phosphophyllite is a rare mineral composed of hydrated zinc phosphate. Its name derives from its chemical composition (phosphate) and the Greek word for "leaf", phyllon, a reference to its cleavage.[1] It is highly prized by collectors for its rarity and for its delicate bluish green colour. Phosphophyllite is rarely cut because it is fragile and brittle, and large crystals are too valuable to be broken up.[2]
The finest phosphophyllite crystals come from Potosí, Bolivia, but it is no longer mined there. Other sources include New Hampshire, USA and Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany. It is often found in association with the minerals chalcopyrite and triphylite.[3]
References
Twinned Phosphophyllite, Unificada Mine, Cerro de Potosí, Potosí Department, Bolivia. 2.1 x 1.4 x 1 cm.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Phosphophyllite. |
- ↑ "Phosphophyllite". Retrieved 2006-12-16.
- ↑ Hall, Cally (1994). Gemstones. Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley. p. 127. ISBN 0-7513-1026-3.
- ↑ "The mineral phosphophyllite". Amethyst Galleries, Inc. Retrieved 2006-12-16.