Chemical Formula: Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O
Name Origin: Named after its chemical composition containing phosphorus and the Greek fyllon – meaning “leaf.”
Phosphophyllite is a rare mineral composed of hydrated zinc phosphate. Its name derives from its chemical composition (phosphate) and the Greek word for “leaf”, phyllon, a reference to its cleavage. 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.
The finest phosphophyllite crystals come from Potosí, Bolivia, but it is no longer mined there. Other sources include New Hampshire, USA and Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany. It is often found in association with the minerals chalcopyrite and triphylite.
History
Discovery date : 1920
Town of Origin: PEGMATITE DE HAGENDORF, OBERPFALZ, BAVIERE
Country of Origin : ALLEMAGNE
Optical properties
Optical and misc. Properties: Transparent – Luminescent, fluorescent – Gemme, pierre fine – Fragile, cassant – Macles possibles –
Refractive Index: from 1,59 to 1,61
Axial angle 2V: 44,3°
Physical properties
Hardness : from 3,00 to 3,50
Density : 3,13
Color : colorless; bluish green; blue green; pale green
Luster: vitreous
Streak: white
Break: irregular
Cleavage: yes
Photos :
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