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PURPURITE-HETEROSITE FOR SALE
Purpurite and heterosite are manganese-iron phosphate minerals that form a solid solution series, where purpurite is the manganese-rich end member and heterosite is the iron-rich one. They form a continuous series, meaning specimens can have varying ratios of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). It's often difficult to distinguish them visually in the field, requiring chemical analysis (Fe-Mn ratio) to confirm if a specimen is purpurite or heterosite.
They form through the oxidation of primary lithium-rich minerals like lithiophilite and triphylite, which occur in the distal parts of beryl-rich pegmatites. In Colorado, the Crystal Mountain District in Larimer County is the primary locality for minerals in the Purpurite-Heterosite series. Manganese gives purpurite its characteristic purple to reddish hues, while iron in heterosite can lead to darker brown-black colors.
They form through the oxidation of primary lithium-rich minerals like lithiophilite and triphylite, which occur in the distal parts of beryl-rich pegmatites. In Colorado, the Crystal Mountain District in Larimer County is the primary locality for minerals in the Purpurite-Heterosite series. Manganese gives purpurite its characteristic purple to reddish hues, while iron in heterosite can lead to darker brown-black colors.
6 Items
($19 to $25)
