Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous phosphates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)₂(PO₄)(F,OH)
    Rarity : Fairly common

Triplite is a complex phosphate of manganese and iron that forms a continuous series with zwieselite, its iron equivalent. Low magnesium and calcium contents may appear. It is a mineral of granitic pegmatites, mainly sodolithic pegmatites where it accompanies lepidolite and triphylite. Its name comes from the Greek triplos (triple) in reference to its three cleavages. Triplite constitutes few crystals, it is usually massive, dark brown to brown, sometimes salmon to reddish when it contains little iron. Like many manganese carbonates and phosphates, it weathers black, releasing manganese oxides and generating a series of secondary hydrated manganese phosphates. It is occasionally cut into gemstones and cabochons.

Main photo : Triplite from Shigar Valley, Pakistan © Rob Lavinsky

No twin known for this mineral species.

No fakes listed for this mineral species.