GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Lithiophilite
A pegmatite phosphate specimen was examined to distinguish lithiophilite from a similar mineral, triplite.
September 2025 Lithiophilite rings
These pictured ring stones are separate from sample 92854 in the older laboratory report below. Their identification has not been independently confirmed by that report.
Finding: Sample 92854 (#11), completed March 5, 2022, was identified as manganese-rich lithiophilite, with 0.69 weight percent iron. The measured density was 3.456 g/cm³, within the lithiophilite range cited in the report and below the cited triplite range. A bright red lithium flame result supported the identification.
Triplite is a different phosphate species. The report explains that their refractive indices alone are too similar to distinguish them reliably in this case.
View the original report
Select a page to enlarge it. 2 pages; findings are summarized in accessible text above.
Report images © Soul Body Gems, Alexander Falster and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Please acknowledge all three when referring to these results. Findings apply to the specimen examined.
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 2: Backscattered electron images of the specimen.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (lithiophilite)
Read the original laboratory report as text
The following text and tables are transcribed from the original laboratory document. Figure captions identify the report images; the laboratory interpretations and limitations are preserved.
Laboratory report 1
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 92854 (#11)
Submitted by: K. Bitner
Date submitted: Feb. 14, 2022.
Date completed: March 5, 2022.
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 26 mm working distance, 15 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon. Using the X-ray fluorescence attachment with 35 kV potential in conjunction with the EDS system.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimen. 2-2.5 cm maximum dimensions.
Fig. 2: Backscattered electron images of the specimen.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (lithiophilite)
Table 1: Minor and trace element composition of the specimen. (in wt. %).
| Element | Reported value |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 0.43 |
| Calcium | 0.04 |
| Iron | 0.69 |
| Magnesium | 0.13 |
| Zinc | 0.10 |
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is indeed lithiophilite (Figs. 2 and 3). This is a very manganese-rich lithiophilite (Table 1) with only 0.69 wt. % iron. There is another, similar phosphate species from pegmatites and that is triplite. It is however denser than lithiophilite. The density of this material was determined to be 3.456 g/cm3 which is in the range for lithiophilite (3.25-3.50 g/cm3) whereas the similar triplite ishigher (3.50-3.90 g/cm3). The refractive indices for both species are too similar to distinguishe them by but these two approaches settle it. A third tesst was performed and that was the lihtium flame color which was bright red and supports lithiophilite
Date: March 5, 2022 Signature