EOSPHORITE CARBONATHYDROXYL-APATITE PS EOSPHORITE (miniature)

Eosphorite is a manganese hydrous phosphate mineral, characterized by its brown or occasionally pink hue, with the chemical formula MnAl(PO4)(OH)2·H2O. This mineral is valued as a gemstone and crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically forming slender prismatic crystals that can create radiating or spherical clusters. Due to twinning, these crystals may exhibit pseudo-orthorhombic shapes. Eosphorite is part of a series with childrenite, where divalent iron substitutes for much of the manganese in the crystal structure, resulting in differences in properties such as crystal habit and optical characteristics. First identified in 1878 at the Branchville Mica Mine in Connecticut, its name is derived from the Greek term for "dawn-bearing," reflecting its pink coloration. Eosphorite is found globally, primarily as a secondary mineral in phosphate-rich granitic pegmatites, often in association with minerals like rhodochrosite and tourmaline, with notable occurrences including attractive combinations with rose quartz in Minas Gerais, Brazil.