Triplite
A variety of Minerals
What is Triplite?
Triplite is a rare phosphate mineral with formula: (Mn,Fe)2PO4(F,OH). It occurs in phosphate-rich granitic pegmatites typically as irregular brown opaque masses. Triplite was first described in 1813 for an occurrence in Chanteloube, Limousin, France. The name is from the Greek triplos for triple, in reference to the three cleavage directions. In color and appearance, it is very similar to rhodocrosite, another manganese bearing mineral. Chemically, it is also quite similar to triploidite the difference being that triplite is fluorine dominant while triploidite is hydroxide dominant.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.643-1.703
- Birefringence
- 0.02
- Pleochroism
- Distinct
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
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Key Characteristics
Formation of Triplite
Triplite is a rare fluoro-hydroxide phosphate mineral that forms in phosphate rich granite pegmatites and high temperature hydrothermal veins. It has been found in the United States in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, South Dakota, Virginia, Connecticut, and Maine. Other occurrences include the Shigar Valley, Pakistan; China; Bavaria, Germany; Kimito, Finland and Karibib, Namibia.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Brown, red-brown, dark brown, black, light brownish-yellow to dark reddish brown in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 5.5
- Density
- 3.94 g/cm³
- Streak
- White to brown
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mn2+2(PO4)F
- Elements
- F, Mn, O, P
Also Known As
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