Abswurmbachite is a rare copper-manganese silicate member of the braunite group. It is typically found as microscopic, black, submetallic grains within manganese-rich silicate rocks formed during regional metamorphism.
Is this abswurmbachite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch abswurmbachite with a known reference. Abswurmbachite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brownish black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.
Often confused with
Abswurmbachite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Abswurmbachite and submetallic on Braunite.
How to tell apart: Abswurmbachite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5 vs. 5.5); streak differs, so Abswurmbachite leaves brownish black, Hausmannite leaves dark reddish brown; luster reads metallic on Abswurmbachite and submetallic on Hausmannite.
Often found alongside abswurmbachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with abswurmbachite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuMn⁶⁺₆O₈SiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 4.96 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains, massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In very low-grade, high-pressure metamorphic Mn, Al-rich quartzites
Where rockhounds find abswurmbachite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mili, Evvia Island, and Apikia, Andros Island, Cyclades Islands, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In very low-grade, high-pressure metamorphic Mn, Al-rich quartzites. If you start seeing quartz, shattuckite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find abswurmbachite on the map
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