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 — Akhtenskite leaves black, Nsutite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Akhtenskite and submetallic on Nsutite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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