Triplite

Triplite, also referred to as Eisenpecherz or iron apatite, is a rarely occurring mineral from the mineral class of " phosphates, arsenates and vanadates ." It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the chemical composition and usually develops opaque, granular to massive aggregates reach sizes of several meters in some localities. Rarely, there are also translucent, short prismatic crystals. The color varies between brown and brownish black and salmon pink.

Triplite forms a mixed batch with Zwieselit.

Etymology and history

Was first found in 1813 in Triplite Chanteloube in the community Razès, in Haute -Vienne and described by Hausmann, who named the mineral based on its three cleavage direction after the Greek word τριπλόος [ tri'ploʔos ] for three times.

Classification

In the now outdated 8th edition of the mineral classification by Strunz the Triplite belongs to the department of " water clear phosphates with foreign anions ", where he along with Magniotriplit, Sarkinit, Stanekit, Triploidit, wagnerite and the eponymous minerals Wolfeite and Zwieselit the Zwieselit - Wolfeite - forming group.

Since the revision of the Strunz'schen Mineral classification in the 9th edition of the mineral classification by Strunz this department is more accurate divided by the size of the involved cations and the molar ratio of the involved anions and the phosphate, arsenate or Vanadatkomplex and the mineral is in accordance with "With only medium-sized cations, and the molar ratio (OH, etc.): RO 4 ≥ 1: 1" of the subdivision to find. The original mineral group was further divided and the unnamed group 8.BB.10 is next to the Triplite only from Hydroxylwagnerit and Zwieselit.

The classification of minerals according to Dana sorted the Triplite also in the class of phosphates, but there in the department of " water clear phosphates, etc. with hydroxyl or halogen, and the general formula (A ) 2 ( XO4 ) Zq ". The unnamed group 41.06.01 is here Triplite, Zwieselit and Magniotriplit.

Education and Locations

Triplite forms as a primary phosphate mineral in granites and pegmatites, but can also by hydrothermal processes in greisen and quartz - transitions occur. Accompanying minerals include albite, apatite, Lithiophilit, Phosphosiderit, pyrite, quartz, sphalerite, Triphylin, Triploidit, tourmaline, vivianite, Wolfeite and others.

Worldwide, Triplite so far (as of 2010) are detected in over 120 localities, so including in the countries or regions: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Canada, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, North Korea, Norway, Austria, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Czech Republic, United Kingdom (Great Britain ), United States (USA).

Known for its meter-sized, massive Triplitaggregate is mainly the Karibib region in Namibia.

Crystal structure

Triplite crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2 / a with lattice parameters a = 12.06 Å; b = 6.45 Å; c = 9.94 Å and 107.1 ° and β = 8 formula units per unit cell.

Use

Triplite eligible for commercial use as a gemstone rarely appropriate quality before, but is occasionally offered in various facets sections and has so especially among collectors a special value as a rarity.