Sarcopside
An iron phosphate with the olivine structure, found in iron meteorites.
Key facts
- Formula
- (Fe,Mn,Mg)3(PO4)2
- Family
- Phosphates
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
What it is
Sarcopside is an iron phosphate whose structure is related to that of olivine, with phosphorus in place of silicon. Its name comes from the Greek for flesh-coloured, because of its pinkish colour in some pegmatites.
Where it is found
It occurs in phosphate–sulphide inclusions of iron meteorites, often intergrown with graftonite, and with schreibersite and troilite.
How it is recognised
It is identified by microprobe analysis and X-ray diffraction.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Edward Olsen, after whom olsenite is named, was the first to find phosphate minerals in iron meteorites.
Did you know?
Sarcopside is also found in the granite pegmatites of Earth.