2.6" Rough Purple Purpurite Manganese Mineral Specimen Location Namibia
Location: Namibia
Weight: 2.5 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.6 Inches Long, 1.8 Inches Wide, 0.9 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Purpurite is a rare manganese iron phosphate mineral, characterized by its striking purple hue, which derives its name from the Latin word “purpura,” meaning purple. This mineral typically occurs in shades ranging from deep violet to reddish-purple and is primarily composed of manganese phosphate with the chemical formula MnPO4·H2O. The presence of iron can lead to variations in color intensity and appearance.
Purpurite is classified as a secondary mineral, forming through the alteration of primary manganese-bearing minerals such as lithiophilite and triphylite. This transformation often occurs in phosphate-rich environments, particularly within granite pegmatites.
The physical properties of purpurite include:
- Color: Ranges from violet to deep red/pink.
- Hardness: 4-4.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic.
- Luster: Dull to earthy or satiny.
- Transparency: Typically translucent to opaque.
