Purpurite

Purpurite is a manganese phosphate mineral instantly recognisable by its rich purple to violet, reddish-purple and pink-brown colours. It is an uncommon collector mineral that forms by the weathering and oxidation of other phosphate minerals in granite pegmatites.

Identifying purpurite

Purpurite occurs as massive, earthy to fibrous material rather than good crystals, with a deep purple colour and a silky to dull lustre; a fresh surface can be strikingly vivid. It forms as an alteration product of lithiophilite–triphylite (lithium-iron-manganese phosphates) and sits in a series with the iron-bearing mineral heterosite.

Where it is found

Notable purpurite comes from granite pegmatites in Namibia (especially vivid material), the United States, France, Australia and Brazil.

For collectors

Saturated, even purple colour is what collectors look for. Because purpurite is relatively soft and can fade with long light exposure, specimens are best kept out of strong sunlight.