Description
The mineral purpurite is a manganese phosphate with the chemical formula Mn3+PO4. Brownish-black, dark red, but typically purplish-purple, purpurite has a dull luster, a red streak color, and perfect cleavage along the crystal planes [100] and [001]. The crystal system is orthorhombic. Purpurite has an average density of 3.4, a hardness of 4 to 5, and is not radioactive. The name purpurite is derived from the Latin word purpureus, meaning "purpur." Purpurite is a phosphate that forms a series with heterosite. The type locality is the Faires Tin Mine, Kings Mount, Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. The mineral is also found in Newry, Maine, United States.
