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.

Hardness

6.5

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareBraunite Group family

Abswurmbachite

Hardness: 6.5
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this abswurmbachite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch abswurmbachite with a known reference. Abswurmbachite sits at Mohs 6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Abswurmbachite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Abswurmbachite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: Abswurmbachite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5 vs. 5-5.5); streak differs — Abswurmbachite leaves black, Hausmannite leaves brownish-red.

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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: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find abswurmbachite

Classic worldwide localities

St. Marcel-Praborna mine, Aosta Valley, Italy
Kaso mine, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where abswurmbachite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, hollandite, ompacite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify abswurmbachite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is abswurmbachite found?+

Notable localities include St. Marcel-Praborna mine, Aosta Valley, Italy; Kaso mine, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

How much is abswurmbachite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like abswurmbachite?+

Abswurmbachite is most often confused with Braunite, Hausmannite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with abswurmbachite?+

Abswurmbachite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Hollandite, Ompacite, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does abswurmbachite form in?+

Abswurmbachite typically forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is abswurmbachite used for?+

Abswurmbachite is used in collector.

Find abswurmbachite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.