Ansermetite is a very rare manganese vanadate mineral that occurs as small, delicate prismatic crystals. It is primarily identified from the Molinello mine in Italy, often found as an oxidation product associated with other manganese minerals.
Is this ansermetite?
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 ansermetite with a known reference. Ansermetite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ansermetite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ansermetite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, brownish-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Ansermetite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ansermetite leaves yellowish-orange, Fernandinite leaves light green; luster reads vitreous on Ansermetite and dull on Fernandinite.
How to tell apart: Ansermetite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2 vs. approx 1); streak differs — Ansermetite leaves yellowish-orange, Hewettite leaves brownish red; luster reads vitreous on Ansermetite and pearly on Hewettite.
Often found alongside ansermetite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ansermetite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺V₂O₆·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find ansermetite
Classic worldwide localities
- Molinello Mine, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where ansermetite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ansermetite on the map
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