Triphylite is a lithium iron(II) phosphate mineral with the chemical formula LiFePO4. It is a member of the triphylite group and forms a complete solid solution series with the lithium manganese(II) phosphate, lithiophilite. Triphylite crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. It rarely forms prismatic crystals and is more frequently found in hypidiomorphic rock. It is bluish- to greenish-gray in color, but upon alteration becomes brown to black.
Hardness:
4
Density:
3.562 g/cm³
On This Page
Properties
Characteristics
Common Questions
General Info About Triphylite
Instantly Identify Rocks with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free
Physical Properties of Triphylite
Colors
Brown-green, light green-gray, may appear blue-gray, colourless to pale yellow in transmitted light
Streak
Colorless to grayish white
Hardness
4 , Soft
Density
3.562 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight
AI rock expert in your pocket
Chemical Properties of Triphylite
Formula
LiFe2+PO4
Elements listed
Fe, Li, O, P
Common Impurities
Mn,Mg,Ca
Characteristics of Triphylite
Your Comprehensive Rock Characteristics Guide
In-depth exploration of rock types, features, and formation aspects
Download the App for Free
Characteristics of Triphylite
Triphylite is soluble in hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. Under a blowpipe, it melts to form a dark gray, magnetic ball. Over time, the mineral undergoes alteration by oxidation, increasing the oxidation state of iron from +2 to +3 and allowing the lithium to escape, forming heterosite, FePO4. Triphylite forms a complex solution series with lithiophilite, LiMnPO4, so that natural sources of triphylite usually contain manganese. The structures of members within this series are similar to olivine-type silicates.
Composition of Triphylite
Triphylite crystallizes in an orthorhombic crystal system. The lithium coordinates to six oxygen atoms in a distorted octahedron. Likewise, the iron centers are octahedrally coordinated. The structure contains isolated phosphate tetrahedra.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Rock Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock ID and answers on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free
Get Rock Identifier now
Try out Rock Identifier app on your phone and identify thousands of rocks for free
Learn more info about rocks from our rich and growing database.
Scan QR code to download
Get Rock Identifier now
Try out Rock Identifier app on your phone and identify thousands of rocks for free
Learn more info about rocks from our rich and growing database.
