Graftonite
An iron manganese phosphate found in troilite nodules of iron meteorites.
Key facts
- Formula
- (Fe,Mn,Ca)3(PO4)2
- Family
- Phosphates
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
What it is
Graftonite is a phosphate of iron, manganese and calcium. It is named after Grafton, New Hampshire, where it was found in granite pegmatite. In iron meteorites it forms as phosphorus from the metal reacts with oxygen.
Where it is found
It occurs in troilite and phosphate inclusions of IAB and IIIAB iron meteorites, together with sarcopside, galileiite, olsenite and other phosphates.
How it is recognised
It is identified by microprobe analysis in polished sections of nodules.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Graftonite and sarcopside often grow together in thin intergrown lamellae.
Did you know?
The phosphate minerals in iron meteorites record a last breath of oxygen in their parent bodies.