Phosphophyllite
Mineral Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O
Take care.
- Fragile: Handle it gently and pack it well; it breaks or crumbles easily.
About it
Delicate blue-green crystals, among the most sought-after phosphates, chiefly from the tin mines of Potosí in Bolivia. Too soft and cleavable for everyday jewellery, so cut stones are collector pieces.
- Type
- Mineral
- Group
- Phosphate
- Formula
- Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3–3.5
- Specific gravity
- 3.08–3.13
- Streak
- white
- Lustre
- vitreous (glassy)
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Colours
- bluish green, pale blue-green, colourless
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Cleavage and fracture
- perfect in one direction, distinct in two others
Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.