General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Mn,Fe++,Mg,Ca)2(PO4)(F,OH)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 211.64 gm)
Calcium 3.79 % Ca
Magnesium 3.45 % Mg
Manganese 25.96 % Mn
Iron 13.19 % Fe
Phosphorus 14.64 % P
Hydrogen 0.12 % H
Oxygen 32.13 % O
Fluorine 6.73 % F
Empirical Formula:
Mn2+Fe2+0.5Mg0.3Ca0.2(PO4)F0.75(OH)0.25
Name Origin:
From the Greek triplos - "triplex."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[010] Good, [100] Distinct
Color:
brown, dark brown, salmon pink, brownish black, or black.
Density:
3.44 - 3.9, Average = 3.67
Diaphaniety:
Subtranslucent to opaque
Habits:
Massive - Granular - Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock., ,
Hardness:
5 - Apatite
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Resinous - Greasy
Streak:
yellowish gray
More details...