Childrenite is a rare hydrated phosphate mineral with elements iron, manganese, aluminium, phosphorus, oxygen and hydrogen. Its chemical formula is (Fe,Mn)AlPO4(OH)2•H2O and it has a molecular weight of 229.83 g/mol. Its specific gravity is 3.2 and it has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5. It is usually translucent and non-fluorescent, with imperfect cleavage. It has a vitreous lustre with a white streak, and is brown or yellow in color. It has a conchoidal, uneven fracture, and an orthorhombic crystal system.
Hardness:
5
Density:
3.13 - 3.131 g/cm³
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Properties
Characteristics
Common Questions
General Info About Childrenite
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Physical Properties of Childrenite
Colors
Yellowish brown, brown, clove-brown, colourless in transmitted light
Streak
White
Hardness
5 , Soft
Density
3.13 - 3.131 g/cm³, Normal Weight
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Chemical Properties of Childrenite
Formula
Fe2+Al(PO4)(OH)2 · H2O
Elements listed
Al, Fe, H, O, P
Common Impurities
Ca,Mn
Optical Properties of Childrenite
Refractive Index
1.639-1.672
Birefringence
0.041-0.042
Pleochroism
Trichroic
Optical Character
Biaxial negative
Characteristics of Childrenite
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Formation of Childrenite
Childrenite was discovered in 1823 by John George Children (1777–1852), who was a prominent English chemist and mineralogist. This secondary mineral was first found in the George and Charlotte Mine near Tavistock in Devon. Its formation is probably from the alteration of granitic phosphates like lithiophilite and triphylite. Childrenite is also found in some ore veins.
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