Globular aggregates of the rare Li-Mn mineral lithiophorite from California (Sausalito Road Quarry, Sausalito, Marin County, California, United States of America). Ex Vandenbroucke Museum collection specimen, from Waregem, Belgium. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lithiophorite
Lithiophorite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula (Al,Li)(Mn⁴⁺,Mn³⁺)O₂(OH)₂.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3m).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5–3; specific gravity 3.14–3.37; Blackish gray to greenish black streak; Dull to metallic luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Lpr, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1870.
A relatively common constituent of “wad” in the oxidized zones of hydrothermal ore deposits and sedimentary manganese deposits; in banded iron formations; from lithium-rich granite pegmatites; in some lateritic soils and bauxites.
It is found associated with Cryptomelane, hollandite, braunite, nsutite, pyrolusite, bixbyite, gibbsite, kaolinite, hematite.
The name refers to its content of LITHIum and the Greek for to bear.