Lithiophilite

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Lithiophilite
File:Lithiophilite-169054.jpg
Lithiophilite from the Foote Mine, North Carolina, USA
General
Category	Phosphate minerals
Formula	LiMnPO₄
Strunz classification	[[Strunz classification|]]
Dana classification	[[Dana classification|]]
Crystal system	[[Crystal system|]]
Crystal class
Color	Yellowish, brownish, reddish
Physical properties
Cleavage	Distinct on {100}
Mohs scale hardness
Luster	Vitreous to greasy
Streak	White
Diaphaneity	Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity
Optical properties
Refractive index
Crystal habit
Other characteristics

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Lithiophilite is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula LiMnPO₄. It is a member of the olivine group and is closely related to triphylite, which contains iron instead of manganese. Lithiophilite is typically found in granite pegmatites and is often associated with other phosphate minerals.

Occurrence

Lithiophilite is commonly found in granite pegmatites, where it forms as a primary mineral. It is often associated with other phosphate minerals such as triphylite, amblygonite, and spodumene. Notable localities include the Foote Mine in North Carolina, USA, and the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA.

Physical Properties

Lithiophilite is characterized by its yellowish to brownish or reddish color, which can vary depending on the manganese content. It has a vitreous to greasy luster and a white streak. The mineral is brittle with a conchoidal fracture and has a Mohs hardness of 4.5. It exhibits distinct cleavage on the {100} plane.

Optical Properties

Lithiophilite is a biaxial (+) mineral with refractive indices of nα = 1.660, nβ = 1.675, and nγ = 1.684. It has a birefringence of δ = 0.024 and a measured 2V angle of 80°. The mineral shows weak pleochroism.

Chemical Composition

The chemical formula of lithiophilite is LiMnPO₄. It is part of the olivine group and is isostructural with triphylite (LiFePO₄). The substitution of manganese for iron is the primary difference between lithiophilite and triphylite.

Uses

Lithiophilite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying phosphate minerals. It is not commonly used in industrial applications, although its structure is of interest in the study of lithium-ion battery materials.

Also see

• Triphylite
• Granite pegmatite
• Phosphate minerals
• Olivine group