2.4" Rough Purple Purpurite Manganese Mineral Specimen Location Namibia

Location: Namibia

Weight: 3.1 Ounces 

Dimensions: 2.4 Inches Long, 1.3 Inches Wide, 1.3 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Purpurite is a rare manganese iron phosphate mineral renowned for its striking purple coloration. Its name comes from the Latin word “purpura”, meaning purple. The mineral typically occurs in shades ranging from deep violet to reddish-purple and is primarily composed of manganese phosphate (MnPO₄·H₂O). The presence of iron can influence the intensity and variation of its colors.

Purpurite is a secondary mineral formed by the alteration of primary manganese-bearing minerals such as lithiophilite and triphylite. This process commonly takes place in phosphate-rich environments, particularly within granite pegmatites.

Physical Properties of Purpurite:

• Color: Violet to deep red/pink

• Hardness: 4–4.5 on the Mohs scale

• Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic

• Luster: Dull to earthy or satiny

• Transparency: Typically translucent to opaque