Phosphophyllite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page kindly sponsored by Celeste Chen
About Phosphophyllite
Formula:
Zn2Fe 2+(PO4)2 · 4H2O
Colour:
Bright blue-green to colourless; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
3.08 - 3.13
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1920 by Heinrich Laubmann and Hermann Steinmetz in allusion to its composition, a phosphate, and its physical structure, from the Greek φύλλον (phyllos) for leaf, referring to its perfect cleavage.
Visit gemdat.org for Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3181
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3181:9
IMA Classification of Phosphophyllite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Zn2+2Fe2+(PO4)2(H2O)4
First published:
1920
Classification of Phosphophyllite
8.CA.40
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
A : With small and large/medium cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
A : With small and large/medium cations
40.2.7.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
19.6.14
19 : Phosphates
6 : Phosphates of Zn
19 : Phosphates
6 : Phosphates of Zn
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Pp | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Phosphophyllite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Conroy | United States |
Physical Properties of Phosphophyllite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Bright blue-green to colourless; colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {100}, distinct on {010} and {102}.
Perfect on {100}, distinct on {010} and {102}.
Density:
3.08 - 3.13 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.12 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Phosphophyllite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.595 - 1.599 nβ = 1.614 - 1.617 nγ = 1.616 - 1.62
2V:
Measured: 44° , Calculated: 34°
Birefringence:
0.021
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.021
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
r > v perceptible
Optical Extinction:
Y ∧ c = 50°; Z = b.
Pleochroism:
Not Visible
Chemistry of Phosphophyllite
Mindat Formula:
Zn2Fe 2+(PO4)2 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Mn
Crystallography of Phosphophyllite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.387(9) Å, b = 5.09(1) Å, c = 10.563(9) Å
β = 121.07(7)°
β = 121.07(7)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.041 : 1 : 2.075
Unit Cell V:
478.35 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Thick tabular {100} to acutely terminated. Twinning common.
Twinning:
Common on {100} giving fishtail twins; may be polysynthetic. Rarely on {102}.
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000588 | Phosphophyllite | Hill R J (1977) The crystal structure of phosphophyllite American Mineralogist 62 812-817 |  | 1977 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0009263 | Phosphophyllite | Kleber W, Liebau F, Piatkowiak E (1961) Zur struktur des phosphophyllits, Zn2Fe[PO4]2*4H2O Acta Crystallographica 14 795-795 |  | 1961 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.886 Å | (80) |
| 4.55 Å | (20) |
| 4.44 Å | (100) |
| 3.38 Å | (60) |
| 2.83 Å | (50) |
| 2.82 Å | (40) |
| 2.22 Å | (30) |
| 1.481 Å | (30) |
Comments:
ICDD 29-1427; also 17-774.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 22 : Hydration and low-? subsurface aqueous alteration (see also #23) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Geological Setting:
A secondary mineral in zoned complex granitic pegmatites. Also as an alteration product of sphalerite and Mn-Fe phosphates, in hydrothermal vein deposits.
Type Occurrence of Phosphophyllite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Well formed crystals and druses.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type specimen.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Granite pegmatite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Phosphophyllite
Dutch:Phosphophylliet
German:Phosphophyllit
Japanese:りんようせき
フォスフォフィライト
フォスフォフィライト
Russian:Фосфофиллит
Simplified Chinese:磷叶石
Spanish:Fosfofilita
Traditional Chinese:磷葉石
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 20 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 16 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Vivianite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 15 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 15 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 10 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Schoonerite | ZnMn2+Fe2+2Fe3+(PO4)3(OH)2 · 9H2O |
| 8 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Scholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Hopeite | ZnZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 6 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Sphalerite Group | AX |
| 5 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 5 photos of Phosphophyllite associated with Parahopeite | Zn3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CA. | Apexite | NaMg(PO4) · 9H2O |
| 8.CA. | Brandãoite | BeAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)5 |
| 8.CA. | Davidlloydite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.05 | Parafransoletite | Ca3Be2(PO4)2(PO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.05 | Fransoletite | Ca3Be2(PO4)2(PO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.10 | Ehrleite | Ca4Be3Zn2(PO4)6 · 9H2O |
| 8.CA.15 | Faheyite | Be2Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Mccrillisite | NaCs(Be,Li)Zr2(PO4)4 · 1-2H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Gainesite | Na(Na,K)(Be,Li)Zr2(PO4)4 · 1.5-2H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Selwynite | NaK(Be,Al)Zr2(PO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.25 | Pahasapaite | Li8(Ca,Li,K)10.5Be24(PO4)24 · 38H2O |
| 8.CA.30 | Nizamoffite | Mn2+Zn2(PO4)2(H2O)4 |
| 8.CA.30 | Arsenohopeite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.30 | Hopeite | ZnZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.35 | Warikahnite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.42 | Steinmetzite | Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.CA.45 | Parascholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.45 | Scholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.50 | Keyite | Cu2+3Zn4Cd2(AsO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.55 | Pushcharovskite | K0.6Cu18[AsO2(OH)2]4[AsO3OH]10(AsO4)(OH)9.6 · 18.6H2O |
| 8.CA.60 | Prosperite | Ca2Zn4(AsO4)4 · H2O |
| 8.CA.65 | Gengenbachite | KFe3+3(PO3OH)4[PO2(OH)2]2 · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.70 | Parahopeite | Zn3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.70 | Reaphookhillite | MgZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.75 | Stergiouite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.80 | Limousinite | BaCa[Be4P4O16] · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.85 | Minjiangite | BaBe2(PO4)2 |
| 8.CA.85 | Wilancookite | (Ba5Li2◻)Ba6Be24P24O96 · 26H2O |
Fluorescence of Phosphophyllite
None.
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Phosphophyllite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3181.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Phosphophyllite
Reference List:
Laubmann, H.; Steinmetz, H. (1915) Phosphatführende Pegmatite des Oberpfälzer und Bayerischen Waldes. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 55 (1-6). 523-586 doi:10.1524/zkri.1915.55.1.523p.566
Steinmetz, H. (1926) Phosphophyllit und Reddingit von Hagendorf. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 64 (1-6). 405-412 doi:10.1524/zkri.1926.64.1.405
Palache, Charles, Berman, Harry (1927) Crystallographic notes: 1. Phosphophyllite; 2. Hematite; 3. Willemite; 4. Hedyphane. American Mineralogist, 12 (4) 180-187
Wolfe, C. W. (1940) Classification of minerals of the type A3(XO4)2·nH2O (concluded) American Mineralogist, 25 (12) 787-809 p.792
Kleber, W., Liebau, F., Piatkowiak, E. (1961) Zur Struktur des Phosphophyllits, Zn2Fe[PO4]2.4H2O. Acta Crystallographica, 14 (7) 795 doi:10.1107/s0365110x61002369
Kleber, W., Piatkowiak, E., Liebau, F. (1965) Zur Struktur des Phosphophyllits, Zn2Fe[PO4]2.4H2O. Korrektur. Acta Crystallographica, 18 (1) 127 doi:10.1107/s0365110x6500021x
Hill, Roderick J. (1977) The crystal structure of phosphophyllite. American Mineralogist, 62 (7-8) 812-817
Dunn, Pete J., Norberg, Julie (1977) Phosphophyllite, variation in composition. American Mineralogist, 62 (7-8) 818
Scholz, Ricardo, Frost, Ray L., Xi, Yunfei, Graça, Leonardo M., Lagoeiro, Leonardo, López, Andrés (2013) Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of the phosphate mineral phosphophyllite – Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O, from Hagendorf Süd, Germany and in comparison with other zinc phosphates. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1039. 22-27 doi:10.1016/j.molstruc.2013.01.075
Localities for Phosphophyllite
Showing 33 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Peter Elliott |
| SA Geodata Database - Mineral Deposit ... +1 other reference |
Bolivia | |
| Zach Berghorst Collection |
| [MinRec 32:475] Powder XRD by Dr. ... |
| PXRD by John Attard +1 other reference |
| Gems |
| Geology and Mineral Resources of the Altiplano and Cordillera Occidental (USGS Bulletin no. 1975) +1 other reference |
| Smith et al. (2001) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. |
Czech Republic | |
| Povondra et al. (eds.) +1 other reference |
France | |
| BERBAIN. C et al. (2016) |
Germany (TL) | |
| Laubmann et al. (1915) +3 other references |
| Am Min 62 (1977) +3 other references | |
| Dill et al. (2008) | |
| Blaß et al. (1995) |
New Zealand | |
| Collection of RJ Martin |
Portugal | |
| Alves et al. (2012) |
| Identified in Rebentão Mine |
| Pedro Alves analytical data and ... |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) |
Sweden | |
| Gustafsson (1989) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Schooner (1958) +1 other reference |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference | |
| Dick Dionne |
| King (n.d.) |
| King et al. (1994) | |
| Rocks & Minerals 82:145 +3 other references |
| Whitmore et al. (2004) | |
| SEM-EDS +1 other reference |
| Campbell et al. (1985) |
| Lemke et al. (1952) |
Zambia | |
| Geological Survey +1 other reference |
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Unificada Mine, Cerro de Potosí, Potosí, Tomás Frías Province, Potosí, Bolivia