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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals P-T |
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Purpurite |
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Name
Purpurite
Chemistry
MnPO4, Manganese phosphate
Uses
As a mineral specimen
Color
Always puple, the name comes from the color.
Hardness
4- 4.5
Specific gravity
3.3
Purpurite is a rare manganese phosphate.
Purpurite is an alteration of the mineral lithiophylite. It usually forms as a massive vein or crust. The fracture is uneven. A weak acid bath can bring out more of the color. The color can best be described as reddish-violet with an almost silky submetalic luster.
The interesting thing with purperite is that it is opaque and has a slight powdery consistency - it will rub off a little when the piece is abraded slightly.
Our purpurite comes from Namibia where some of the best purpurite occurs.
