Phosphosiderite
Image: User:EmptyTerms (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NamePhosphosiderite
Chemical FormulaFePO4·2H2O
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood on {010}
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity2.75
Colorsreddish-violet, purple, pink, greenish-yellow, brown
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityKreuzberg bei Pleystein, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany
Mineral Groupphosphates
Usescollector, gemstone (rarely)
Associated Mineralsstrengite, vivianite, iron oxides
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays a reddish-purple, somewhat massive aggregate of Phosphosiderite. It is a relatively soft mineral known for its attractive violet to reddish-purple hues.
Geological Context
Phosphosiderite is a secondary mineral that forms in the weathered zones of iron-rich phosphate deposits, often found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. It results from the alteration of primary phosphate minerals.
