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Home > Phosphophyllite

Phosphophyllite

Photo By Robert M.Lavinsky

Phosphophyllite

Phosphophyllite

Phosphophyllite

Phosphophyllite

Phosphophyllite

A species of Minerals

The clarity and sheen of phosphophyllite make it an excellent selection for use as a gemstone; its brittle nature, however, makes it very difficult to sculpt into any usable form for jewelry. It is mostly used as a collectible gem in its raw state. It is rare to come across the largest specimens, which originate from Bolivia.

Hardness:

3 - 3.5

Density:

3.12 g/cm³

General Info About Phosphophyllite

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Physical Properties of Phosphophyllite

Luster

Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Sub-vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Bright blue-green to colourless, colourless in transmitted light

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Perfect

Fracture

Conchoidal

Streak

White

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Hardness

3 - 3.5 , Soft

Density

3.12 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Phosphophyllite

Chemical Classification

Phosphates

Formula

Zn₂Fe(PO₄)₂ · 4H₂O

Elements listed

Fe, H, O, P, Zn

Common Impurities

Mn

Optical Properties of Phosphophyllite

Refractive Index

1.595-1.621

Birefringence

0.021

Pleochroism

None

Optical Character

Biaxial negative

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Phosphophyllite

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Cultural Significance of Phosphophyllite

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Uses of Phosphophyllite

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.

Distribution of Phosphophyllite

The finest phosphophyllite crystals come from Potosí, Bolivia, but it is no longer mined there. Other sources include New Hampshire, United States and Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany. It is often found in association with the minerals chalcopyrite and triphylite.

Etymology of Phosphophyllite

Its name derives from its chemical composition (phosphate) and the Greek word for "leaf", phyllon, a reference to its cleavage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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