Purpurite

The stone purpurite has been known since the beginning of the 20th century. It was named in 1905 by the mineralogists Graton and Schaller after its colour (lat. purpureus = purple red). There are no synonyms for this stone.

It occurs in Sweden, France, Canada and Namibia.

Purpurite is superficially coated with manganese oxide crusts, which have to be removed with strong acid to produce the purple colour.


Mineral class of phosphates
Formula: (Mn,Fe)PO4 + Li

Mohs hardness: 4 - 4.5
Density: 3.70
Cleavability: good, uneven fracture, brittle
Stroke colour: pink to red
Transparency: opaque, rarely translucent
Soluble in hydrochloric acid

Healing properties
Inspiration, helps against tiredness, dejection and exhaustion, improves concentration, alertness