Lithiophilite - Encyclopedia

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous phosphates
    Crystal system : Orthorhombic
    Chemistry : LiMnPO₄
    Rarity : Quite common

Lithiophilite (or lithiophyllite) is a primary manganese and lithium phosphate present exclusively in sodolithic granitic pegmatites. It forms a continuous series with triphylite, its iron-bearing counterpart. Its name comes from its chemistry (lithium) and the Greek philos (friend) which highlights the abundance of this element in its composition. Brown in color, generally translucent to opaque, lithiophilite most often forms cleavable to compact masses that can reach considerable dimensions (up to 5 m); well individualized, prismatic crystals with pseudohexagonal sections are very rare. The atmospheric and hydrothermal alteration of lithiphillite is responsible for the formation of numerous secondary phosphates (sicklerite, heterosite and purpurite when lithium is eliminated). This progressive transformation gives the mineral a black surface color which spreads along the cleavages, drawing a grid.

Main photo : 1.7 cm lithiophilite from Foote Lithium Co. Mine, North Carolina, USA © Rob Lavinsky

Contact twins on {130} are known but rare.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.