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Thick Triphylite Crystal on Matrix

The triphylite Mineral Series




Triphylite describes both a mineral series, as well as an individual mineral within the series. Triphylite is the iron-rich end member of the Triphylite series, and Lithiophilite is the manganese-rich end member. Minerals of the Triphylite series commonly alter to secondary phosphates such as Vivianite, as well as to manganese and iron oxides. 

Triphylite is named from the Greek words "tria", for threefold, and "phylon", family, alluding to it as being a mineral group with three cations (Fe, Li, and Mn).
Chemical Formula Li(Fe2+)PO4 
Composition Lithium iron phosphate, with a varying range of manganese
Variable Formula Li(Fe2+,Mn2+)PO4 
Color Gray, grayish blue, light blue, grayish green
Streak Colorless to pale gray
Hardness 4 - 5
Crystal System Orthorhombic
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates		 Mostly in massive or compact form. Distinct crystals are uncommon, and they are usually tabular or prismatic with blocky form and many crystals faces. Cleavage fragments also exist, with distinct crystal faces within massive forms or rough crystals in matrix.
Transparency Transparent to translucent
Specific Gravity 3.3 - 3.6
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage 1,1;3,2
Fracture Uneven
Tenacity Brittle
In Group Phosphates; True Phosphates
Striking Features Cleavage habits and mode of occurrence
Environment Lithium-rich granite pegmatites
Rock Type Igneous
Popularity (1-4) 3
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 2


Triphylite AUCTIONS



USES
Triphylite has been mined as an ore of lithium.

NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
Massive greenish-gray Triphylite was mined as an ore of lithium at Hagendorf Pegmatite, Waidhaus, Bavaria, Germany. Triphylite, often in altered form replaced by oxides, has come from the Assunção Mine, Ferreira de Aves, Sátão, Viseu District, Portugal.

In the U.S., the pegmatites of New England are the best producers of Triphylite, including those at New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine.The Chandlers Mill Quarry, Newport, Sullivan Co., New Hampshire, has produced large and visible crystals in the best examples of this mineral. Also in New Hampshire is the Palermo No. 1 Mine, Groton, Grafton Co., where Triphylite has been found in mostly massive forms, but also in occasional crystals. Massive Triphylite has also come from Keystone, Pennington Co., South Dakota.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Quartz, Albite, Amblygonite, Lepidolite, Spodumene, Beryl, Vivianite, Muscovite



triphylite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
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