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The mineral purpurite is a manganese phosphate with the chemical formula Mn3 + PO4. The brown-black, dark red, but typically purple-purple purpurite has a dull shine, a red stripe color and the mineral has a perfect cleavage according to the crystal planes [100] and [001]. The crystal system is orthorhombic. Purpurite has an average density of 3.4, the hardness is 4 to 5, and the mineral is not radioactive. The name of the mineral purpurite is derived from the Latin word purpureus, which means "purpur". Purpurite is a phosphate that forms a series with heterosite. The type location is the Faires tin mine, Kings Mount, Gaston county, North Carolina, United States. The mineral is also found in Newry, Maine, United States.