What is Phosphophyllite?
Phosphophyllite is a fragile blue-green hydrated zinc phosphate, a highly prized collector mineral known for sharp transparent crystals and scarcity.
Mineralogy and crystal structure
Reference formula: Zn2Fe2+PO4·4H2O. Phosphophyllite is monoclinic, strongly cleavable and sensitive to damage. Its green-blue colour can darken or alter, so good specimens are valued for both freshness and form. Phosphophyllite is classified with phosphates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 3–3.5 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.0–3.2.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include blue-green, green, colourless, pale blue. The usual tabular, prismatic, cleavable habit and vitreous, pearly lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Phosphophyllite forms in or is associated with late-stage hydrothermal veins and oxidised zinc-phosphate deposits. Important documented localities include Bolivia, Germany, the United States, Australia and Portugal.
A fragile blue-green collector treasure
Phosphophyllite commands attention because its beauty is inseparable from fragility: a perfect thin crystal records a narrow window of zinc-phosphate chemistry.
Collecting and care
Do not tumble or set in jewellery; keep dry, protected from impact and separated from harder specimens.
