Childrenite
Mineral Fe2+Al(PO4)(OH)2·H2O
About it
Brown to yellow-brown pyramidal crystals in phosphate pegmatites and tin veins, the iron partner of eosphorite. A classic from Devon and Cornwall, and fine from Minas Gerais in Brazil.
- Type
- Mineral
- Group
- Phosphate, childrenite group
- Formula
- Fe2+Al(PO4)(OH)2·H2O
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5–5
- Specific gravity
- 3.18–3.25
- Streak
- white to pale yellow
- Lustre
- vitreous (glassy), resinous
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Colours
- yellowish brown, brown, dark brown
- Transparency
- translucent
- Cleavage and fracture
- poor; uneven to subconchoidal fracture
Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.