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UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Phosphophyllite
An IMA-approved phosphate mineral species, an extremely rare collector’s mineral; its cleavage and hardness should be assessed before everyday wear. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Phosphophyllite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify PhosphophylliteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Caring for and wearing PhosphophylliteDurability indicators and wearing advice
- Mohs hardness of PhosphophylliteEach value with its source and check date
- Phosphophyllite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of PhosphophylliteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing PhosphophylliteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define PhosphophylliteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Numbers in curly braces, such as {111}, are crystallographic face symbols (Miller indices): each marks a set of crystal faces or cleavage planes. They are reproduced as written in the cited source.
Phosphophyllite is a monoclinic species, a hydrated zinc iron phosphate whose ideal composition is Zn2(Fe2+,Mn2+)(PO4)2·4H2O. It normally forms as a secondary phase within zoned, complex granite pegmatites, arising through alteration of sphalerite and of Fe–Mn phosphates, and it is also found in hydrothermal veins; the crystals are typically thick and tabular, frequently twinned on contact to give 'fishtail' shapes.
Scope: Applies to the genesis and occurrence of natural phosphophyllite as a hydrated phosphate mineral species; does not cover synthetics or artificial imitations.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
Zoned, complex granite pegmatites, where it occurs as a secondary phase formed by alteration of sphalerite and of Fe–Mn phosphates; hydrothermal veins are a further setting.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Association (Hagendorf, Germany): triplite, triphylite, sphalerite, apatite, vivianite, rockbridgeite and others
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
A complex granite pegmatite fractionates, concentrating zinc, iron, manganese and phosphate.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Primary sphalerite and Fe-Mn phosphates form.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Later fluids alter the sphalerite and Fe-Mn phosphates, releasing zinc, iron, manganese and phosphate.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Thick tabular phosphophyllite crystallises, often as fishtail contact twins, associated with other phosphates.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Phosphophyllite is pale bluish green or sea-green, and may be colourless (colourless in transmitted light); vitreous lustre, biaxial negative, hardness 3-3.5, with perfect cleavage on {100}. Its thick tabular crystals and common 'fishtail' contact twins are striking features; the source gives no colour mechanism.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Timescale
The source states no absolute geological timescale for phosphophyllite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Supporting findings
Phosphophyllite normally forms as a secondary phase within zoned, complex granite pegmatites, arising through alteration of sphalerite and of Fe–Mn phosphates, and it is also found in hydrothermal veins.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes phosphophyllite's secondary origin and setting.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Phosphophyllite is associated with triplite, triphylite, sphalerite, apatite, vivianite, rockbridgeite and other minerals.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes the mineral association.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Europe
- Hagendorf, Bavaria, GermanyListed first by HoM; HoM gives Type Material as n.d.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
South America
- Unificada mine, Cerro Rico, Potosí, BoliviaHoM: extraordinary crystals (specimens); not a commercial gem source
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Potosí, BoliviaHoM: extraordinary crystals (specimens); not a commercial gem source
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Where the name comes from
The name phosphophyllite derives from phosphate in its composition, together with the Greek word for cleavage.
Evidence grade BScope: The etymology explains only the origin of the name; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Phosphophyllite is a monoclinic hydrated zinc iron phosphate species with ideal composition Zn2(Fe2+,Mn2+)(PO4)2·4H2O.
Evidence grade BScope: Species-level composition and crystal-system fact.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Phosphophyllite crystals are commonly thick tabular and often form contact twins giving 'fishtail' shapes.
Evidence grade BScope: Concerns crystal morphology and twinning habit only.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The source is a mineralogical data sheet and gives no absolute geological timescale for phosphophyllite formation.
- The source gives no colour mechanism for phosphophyllite.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Phosphophyllite
GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 b) · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Phosphophyllite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Phosphophyllite is Phosphophyllite (IMA phosphate mineral species); use "Phosphophyllite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
Evidence
- GB/T · 5.1.1 b)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Phosphophyllite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
No institutional care guidance is registered for this material yet; below are its durability indicators and general guidance.
Durability and wearing
Mohs hardness
3–3.5
Toughness
Brittle
Cleavage
{100} perfect; {010}, {102} distinct
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Daily wear
Phosphophyllite is only Mohs 3–3.5, brittle with perfect cleavage; it is a collector's gem, not suited to daily wear, vulnerable to scratching, cleavage fracture and acids.
Care
Clean only with a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic/steam cleaners, soaking, acidic or chemical agents and any pressure.
General guidance: LumaLark's general guidance inferred from the material's properties (hardness, toughness, cleavage); not text from the cited source, and not a guarantee for any specific piece.
Scope: This field describes general material properties and does not constitute a durability or safety warranty for any specific finished product; the durability of treated (filling/dyeing/coating) or assembled pieces must be assessed separately.
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesPhosphophyllite is not listed in GB/T 16552—2017 Annex A and can be named directly as Phosphophyllite, which is also the suggested listing name. Names in four languagesFour-language names are given in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Phosphophyllite) and Japanese. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name is Phosphophyllite, an IMA phosphate mineral species. Institution usageOn authority wording, CIBJO records Phosphophyllite (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024); the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked, and bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position. Japanese namesThe wording of Japan's GSJ is not yet verified, and the entry has its own Japanese name.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- フォスフォフィライト／燐葉石 (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Mineral / material name (not in GB/T 16552 Annex A; usable directly)
- 磷叶石 (GB/T 16552—2017 §5.1.1 b))
- Mineralogical name
- Phosphophyllite (IMA phosphate mineral species)
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 磷叶石
- 繁體中文
- 磷葉石
- English
- Phosphophyllite
- 日本語
- フォスフォフィライト／燐葉石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Phosphate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Phosphates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
The naming status of Phosphophyllite is registered as IMA naming status G: grandfathered, that is, discovered before the IMA was founded and generally regarded as a valid mineral species; the composition (phase) is registered as phosphophyllite. Optically, Phosphophyllite is transparent to translucent; the body colour of untreated Phosphophyllite is colourless, green or blue. This site's qualification notes that in Chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions for euclase, kornerupine, kyanite and other entries likewise mention colourless.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Phosphophyllite — nomenclature status: IMA status G: grandfathered (described before the IMA existed, and generally regarded as a valid species).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Phosphophyllite — composition (phase): phosphophyllite
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Optical
Phosphophyllite — transparency: transparent to translucent.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Phosphophyllite — body colour: colourless, green, blue.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Euclase, Kornerupine, Kyanite and other entries also name colourless.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Testing and market
The laboratory tests required for Phosphophyllite, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page, based on the CIBJO laboratory protocol. As registered from the CIBJO Blue Book, no synthetic Phosphophyllite is available on the market.
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.61.
How far testing can go
Phosphophyllite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Phosphophyllite has a clause-level definition in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the entry Phosphophyllite; the visible definition is colourless, green, blue, transparent to translucent. The cross-check shows a direct CIBJO definition, and no identically named English entry was found in the GB/T annex. The IMA Mineral List entry lists it as Phosphophyllite, chemical formula Zn2Fe2+(PO4)2(H2O)4, marked G 1920, cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list, using public domain data.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphophyllite | 7.2.1.178 | colourless, green, blue; transparent to translucent | Defined directly by CIBJO; no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex. |
| Phosphophyllite | IMA Mineral List entry | Phosphophyllite Zn2Fe2+(PO4)2(H2O)4 G 1920 | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Phosphate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Phosphophyllite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.