Minerals - Purpurite - Script

"Here's one I think folks will like. Purpurite is an iron ore containing manganese phosphate. The beautiful slightly iridescent purple color comes from oxidation of the manganese.

The most unique aspects of this piece are the elaborate knot-work flourishing of the cap P and the parallel descender stem of the small p. This form of small p is historic but was not commonly used. This sort of parallel lines descender may stem from Dutch calligraphic influences. "

~2011, Don Marsh~
©2011 Don Marsh