Purpurite - Natural minerals and crystals

Purpurite is an iron phosphate mineral from the phosphate family. Its color varies from pink to deep purple, hence its name derived from the Latin word "purpura" meaning "purple". It generally occurs in the form of granular masses or microscopic crystals, and has a resinous to dull luster. This mineral is generally opaque, with a hardness of 4-5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. It is often found in association with other phosphate minerals such as lithiophilite or triphylite in granitic pegmatites. Purpurite is also an alteration mineral, formed by the oxidation of minerals containing iron and manganese.