Phosphophyllite is a rare phosphate mineral with the chemical formula Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O. It is prized among mineral collectors for its delicate bluish green colour, but rarely cut for its difficult properties.
Geology
Phosphophyllite was first described in 1920 by Heinrich Laubmann and Hermann Steinmetz. The name derives from from Ancient Greek phyllon 'leaf', and phosphate
Chemically, phosphophyllite is related to zinc phosphate with some zinc substituted by iron. Phosphophyllite has been synthesized by the addition of diammonium phosphate to a solution of zinc and iron sulfate.
Occurrence
The finest phosphophyllite crystals come from Potosí, Bolivia, but it is no longer mined there. Other sources include New Hampshire, United States and Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany. It is often found in association with the minerals chalcopyrite and triphylite.
Uses
Phosphophyllite is highly prized by collectors for its rarity and for its delicate bluish green colour but brittleness and fragility as well as the intrinsic value of large crystals make it unsuitable for jewelry.
Gallery
Popular culture
An anthropomorphic form of phosphophyllite is the protagonist of the manga and anime series Land of the Lustrous, with key features of the mineral such as its brittle nature and vibrant color reflected in their character traits and design.
References
