Childrenite
A variety of Minerals
What is Childrenite?
Childrenite is a rare hydrated phosphate mineral with elements iron, manganese, aluminium, phosphorus, oxygen and hydrogen. Its chemical formula is (Fe,Mn)AlPO4(OH)2•H2O and it has a molecular weight of 229.83 g/mol. Its specific gravity is 3.2 and it has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5. It is usually translucent and non-fluorescent, with imperfect cleavage. It has a vitreous lustre with a white streak, and is brown or yellow in color. It has a conchoidal, uneven fracture, and an orthorhombic crystal system.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.639-1.672
- Birefringence
- 0.041-0.042
- Pleochroism
- Trichroic
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Childrenite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Childrenite Localities Map
See where Childrenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Childrenite
Childrenite was discovered in 1823 by John George Children (1777–1852), who was a prominent English chemist and mineralogist. This secondary mineral was first found in the George and Charlotte Mine near Tavistock in Devon. Its formation is probably from the alteration of granitic phosphates like lithiophilite and triphylite. Childrenite is also found in some ore veins.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellowish brown, brown, clove-brown, colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5
- Density
- 3.13 - 3.131 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Fe2+Al(PO4)(OH)2 · H2O
- Elements
- Al, Fe, H, O, P
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Childrenite FAQs
How do I identify Childrenite?
Childrenite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, Yellowish brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Childrenite?
Childrenite typically appears in Yellowish brown, brown, clove-brown, colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Childrenite?
Childrenite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of childrenite of Childrenite?
Childrenite was discovered in 1823 by John George Children (1777–1852), who was a prominent English chemist and mineralogist. This secondary mineral was first found in the George and Charlotte Mine near Tavistock in Devon. Its formation is probably from the alteration of granitic phosphates like lithiophilite and triphylite. Childrenite is also found in some ore veins.
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