Lithiophilite
LiMn2+PO4 [CNMNC approved formula]
Named from its lithium composition and the Greek for friend.
IMA status : | Valid species (Pre-IMA 1878) Grandfathered |
CLASSIFICATION | |
Dana (8th edition) : |
38.01.01.02 |
(38) Anhydrous Phosphates, etc | |
(38.01) A+ B++ XO4 | |
(38.01.01) Triphylite Group | |
Nickel-Strunz (10th edition) : |
08.AB.10 |
(08) Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates | |
(08.A) Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O | |
(08.AB) With medium-sized cations | |
Crystal system: | Orthorhombic System |
Point group (H-M): | mmm (or 2/m 2/m 2/m) — dipyramidal |
Unit cell: | a = 6.05 Å, b = 10.32 Å, c = 4.71 Å |
Crystal Habit: | Crystals anhedral to subhedral, large, with rough faces; massive, cleavable |
Twinning: | Rare contact twins on {130} |
Color: | Light reddish brown, yellowish brown, salmon |
Diaphaneity: | Transparent, Translucent |
Luster: | Vitreous to subresinous |
Hardness (Mohs): | 4 to 5 |
Measured Density: | 3.34 g/cm3 |
Cleavage: | 3; {100} nearly perfect, {010} imperfect, {011} interrupted |
Tenacity: | Brittle |
Fracture: | Uneven to sub-conchoidal |
Streak: | White to grayish white |
Polymorphism and Series: | Forms a series with triphylite. |
Geologic Setting: | A late-stage mineral in some complex granite pegmatites; usually primary but rarely secondary. |
Mineral Association: | Sicklerite, purpurite, huréaulite, numerous Fe–Mn phosphates and oxides |
Synonyms/varieties: | Lithiolite, Lithio-Mangano-Triphylite |
Comments: | Soluble in acids. |

Origin: Foote mine, Kings Mountain, Cleveland Co., North Carolina, U.S.A.
Sample size: Microscopic image
Photo and Owner: Lou Perloff

Origin: Foote mine, Kings Mountain, Cleveland Co., North Carolina, U.S.A.
Sample size: Microscopic image
Photo and Owner: Lou Perloff

with light pink rhodochrosite and fluorapatite.
Origin: Foote mine, Cleveland Co., North Carolina, United States
Sample size: 9 x 5 x 4 cm
Photo: Tom Loomis
