Strengite

Strengite is an uncommon iron phosphate mineral which occurs in gorgeous shades of lilac, pink, or purple.

It typically forms as an alteration product of other phosphate minerals.

Information about Strengite

Strengite is a relatively rare iron phosphate mineral that commonly forms in spherical or botryoidal aggregates with a smooth, glossy surface. It may also appear as tiny prismatic crystals, though well-formed specimens are uncommon.

Its most recognisable feature is its vibrant purple to reddish-violet colouration, often translucent to transparent, giving it an attractive gem-like appearance. Under light, it displays a vitreous to sub-adamantine lustre, and it usually develops in cavities or fractures of phosphate-rich rocks.

 

Uses and History

Strengite has no industrial applications but is highly valued among mineral collectors for its striking purple colour and aesthetic crystal habit.

It is sometimes cut as a rare collector’s gem, though its softness and brittleness make it unsuitable for regular jewellery use.

Strengite is also important scientifically, as it forms part of phosphate mineral assemblages in pegmatites and iron-rich deposits, offering insight into geochemical processes.

Strengite was named in honour of the German mineralogist Johann August Streng (1830–1897), who studied mineral chemistry and contributed to crystallography. Since its identification, Strengite has been found at various phosphate-rich localities worldwide, often alongside minerals such as variscite and vivianite.

 

Mineralogy

Chemistry
Iron phosphate mineral with the formula FePO4·2H2O.
Colours and Variations

Purple, violet, pink, carmine, green-white, colourless.

Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent to translucent
Fracture
Crystal habit
Radial fibrous crystals, or as botryoidal/spherical aggregates or crusts.
Mohs hardness
3.5
Tenacity
Brittle
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
2.84 – 2.87
Easiest testing method
Common occurences
Often found as a secondary mineral in phosphate pegmatite deposit, or in iron-rich sedimentary rocks.

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

 

Translations

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English:

  • Strengite

Italian:

Russian:

  • Штренгит

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Spanish:

  • Strengit

German:

  • Strengit

Korean:

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin Chinese:

  • 红磷铁矿/ 紅磷鐵礦

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links