What is "purpurite"

n. (context mineralogy English) A manganese phosphate mineral with a striking purple colour.

Purpurite is a mineral, basically manganese phosphate, MnPO although with varying amounts of iron depending upon the source of the mineral. It is a striking pink purple color as might be expected of a manganese-containing mineral.

Purpurite forms a series with the iron bearing endmember heterosite, FePO.