THE MINERAL DUFRENITE

Chemistry: Fe5(PO4)3(OH)5 - 2H2O, Hydrated Iron Phosphate Hydroxide.
Class: Phosphates
Uses: Only as mineral specimens.
Specimens

Dufrenite is a classic phosphate mineral. It is known from classic localities in Devon, England and elsewhere. Often associated with other rare minerals, dufrenite specimens can easily be a collectors favorite. Although not particularly colorful unless fresh, dufrenite's muted yellowish-brown color is none-the-less unique and distinctive. In fact, it produces a nice backdrop to the more colorful minerals that may be attached to the rounded botryoidal landscape.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is yellowish-green or olive when fresh but turns brown when oxidized.
Luster is varied from vitreous or silky to dull or earthy.
Transparency: Specimens are translucent to transparent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/m
Crystal Habits include botryoidal and globular masses or tabular crystals. Also found in radiating clusters and crusts.
Cleavage is perfect in two directions.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is 3.5 - 4.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.1 - 3.3 (slightly above average).
Streak is yellow-green.
Associated Minerals include hureaulite, laubmannite, kidwellite, quartz, limonite and rockbridgeite.
Notable Occurrences include Cornwall, England; Westphalia, Germany; Anglar, France and Cherokee County, Alabama, USA.
Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, associations and streak.

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