Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Hydrated phosphates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : Ca₂Fe₃O₂(PO₄)₃ 3H₂O
    Rarity : Uncommon

Mitridatite is a secondary phosphate formed by meteoric alteration of primary iron-bearing phosphates (triphylite, lithiophilite, vivianite). It is found in coatings or encrustations in pegmatites, in oolitic phosphate iron ores, sometimes in phosphate soils. Its name comes from its location of discovery : the Mithridat Mountains (Crimea, Ukraine). Mitridatite rarely occurs in tabular crystals of 2 mm maximum. It is much more common in masses, nodules and veinlets. Its color is variable with a dominant of dark greens, passing to green-yellow in the fine-grained aggregates.

Main photo : Mitridatite from Cigana claim, Barra do Cuieté, Minas Gerais, Brazil © Sergio Varvello

Twins are known by rotation perpendicular to {100}.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.