Akhtenskite is a rare manganese oxide mineral that typically occurs as thin, black hexagonal plates or earthy aggregates within manganese-rich deposits. It is structurally very similar to pyrolusite and is often identified through X-ray diffraction due to its subtle structural differences. Collectors look for these specimens primarily in localities where secondary manganese minerals are formed by weathering.
Is this akhtenskite?
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 akhtenskite with a known reference. Akhtenskite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Akhtenskite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Akhtenskite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, aggregates of thin hexagonal plates.
Often confused with
Akhtenskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Pyrolusite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 2-3).
How to tell apart: Nsutite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Akhtenskite leaves black, Nsutite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Akhtenskite and submetallic on Nsutite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Akhtenskite leaves black, Birnessite leaves brownish-black; luster reads metallic on Akhtenskite and dull on Birnessite.
Often found alongside akhtenskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with akhtenskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.6-4.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Aggregates of Thin Hexagonal Plates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Oxide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find akhtenskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Akhtenskoye mine, Urals, Russia
- Jianshui County, China
- Tilly Foster Mine, New York, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese oxide ore deposits country, the host setting where akhtenskite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrolusite, goethite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, aggregates of thin hexagonal plates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find akhtenskite on the map
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