Triplite

Big Photo

Skardu Area, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
1.09 carats
© Rarestone.com

Triplite is named after Greek "triplos" - triple, alluding to its three prominent cleavages.

Triplite occurs in a number of indistinct forms or as masses which are translucent to opaque dark red to brown, or black with vitreous to resinous lustre.

Triplite gems are very difficult to facet.

Triplite Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 

Triplite Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Triplite gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:0.13 cts
Heaviest:1.09 cts
Average:0.39 cts
Total photos:15
Do you have a larger Triplite? Why not upload a photo?
0.13ct to 0.23ct0.23ct to 0.32ct0.32ct to 0.42ct0.42ct to 0.51ct0.51ct to 0.61ct0.61ct to 0.71ct0.71ct to 0.80ct0.80ct to 0.90ct0.90ct to 0.99ct0.99ct to 1.09ct
General Information
Chemical Formula
(Mn
2+
 
,Fe
2+
 
,Mg,Ca)
 
2
(PO
 
4
)(F,OH)
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Physical Properties of Triplite
Mohs Hardness5 to 5.5
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
Specific Gravity3.85 to 3.94
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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Cleavage QualityDistinct
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
FractureSub-Conchoidal
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Optical Properties of Triplite
Refractive Index1.643 to 1.703
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
Optical CharacterBiaxial/+
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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Birefringence0.020
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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PleochroismDistinct
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
DispersionRelatively strong
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Colour
Colour (General)Dark red to brown, or black if altered
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
TransparencyTranslucent,Opaque
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
LustreVitreous,Resinous
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Crystallography of Triplite
Crystal SystemMonoclinic
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
Geological Environment
Where found:Occurs as a principal primary phosphate in complex-zoned granite pegmatites or in hydrothermal tin veins.
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Spectrographic Data
Calculated Spectra:
Click spectra for more information
Triplite - Locality: Pakistan
Further Information
Mineral information:Triplite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
China
 
Pakistan
 
  • Gilgit-Baltistan
    • Shigar District
Uzbekistan
 
  • Tashkent
    • Ugam Range
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