Natrophilite
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Natrophilite is a mineral with the chemical formula NaMnPO4. In a pure form it has a yellow coloration. Its crystals are orthorhombic to dipyramidal. It is transparent to translucent. It is not radioactive. Natrophilite is rated 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs Scale. At Branchville, Fairfield County, Connecticut, it is found as a rare replacement of lithiophilite within a complex granite pegmatite, together with triploidite, eosphorite and dickinsonite.[2]
| Natrophilite | |
|---|---|
Natrophilite, as thin coatings and fracture fillings, from Branchville, Redding, Fairfield County, Connecticut, US | |
| General | |
| Category | Phosphate mineral |
| Formula | NaMnPO4 |
| IMA symbol | Ntp[1] |
| Strunz classification | 8.AB.10 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Space group | Pnam |
| Identification | |
| Color | Deep yellow to light yellow |
| Cleavage | Distinct/ good |
| Fracture | Irregular/ uneven |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 4+1⁄2 – 5 |
| Luster | Sub-vitreous, greasy |
| Streak | White |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.41 g/cm3 |
