Purpurite
| Colour | Purple, Brown, Black, Pink |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 4–5 |
| Lustre | Earthy |
| Streak | red |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Cleavage | [100] [001] perfect |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Chemical formula | Mn 3+ PO 4 |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 – 3.4 |
What is Purpurite?
Purpurite is a manganese phosphate mineral with the formula MnPO4, with varying amounts of iron depending upon its source. It occurs in color ranges from brownish black via purple and violet to dark red.
How to identify Purpurite
- Lustre: Earthy.
- Hardness: Mohs 4–5 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: red.
- Habit: Orthorhombic crystal system.
Purpurite in different forms
Stones often confused with Purpurite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Purpurite?
Purpurite is Mohs 4–5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Purpurite?
Purpurite is typically purple, brown, black, pink (Brownish black, violet, dark pink, dark red, reddish purple).