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Purpurite

Purpurite is a manganese phosphate mineral with with varying amounts of iron depending upon its source.

Colors It Comes In - brownish black, purple, and violet to dark red

Fracture Pattern - Uneven/Irregular

Shape -

Freeform: Purpurite is often sold raw or polished in a freeform shape. 
Cabochons: Purpurite is a good material for cabochons. 
Beads: Purpurite can be used to make beads. 
Carvings: Purpurite can be used to make carvings. 
Heart-shaped: Natural purpurite can be found in a heart shape. 
Oval: Natural purpurite can be found in an oval shape. 
Pear: Natural purpurite can be found in a pear shape. 

Luster - Earthy, Shiny

Texture - granular, chalky

Where It Can Be Found -

North Carolina: The type locality for purpurite is the Faires Tin mine in Kings Mountain, Gaston County. 
South Dakota: Purpurite can be found in the Custer district of Custer County. 
California: Purpurite can be found in the Stewart mine and Tincon pegmatite in the Pala district of San Diego County. 
France: Purpurite can be found in Chanteloube in the Haute-Vienne department. 
Rwanda: Purpurite can be found in Kitumba. 
Namibia: Purpurite can be found in Sandamab and Erongo, and the largest and most cost-effective gem-quality purpurite comes from Usakos. 
Australia: Purpurite can be found in Wodgina and Marble Bar in Western Australia. 
Portugal: Purpurite can be found in Portugal. 
Maine: Purpurite can be found in Maine. 

 

Hardness On The Mohs Scale - 4 To 4.5 Out Of 10

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