Argandite is an exceptionally rare member of the garnet group, specifically a manganese vanadate. It is primarily found as small, yellow, dodecahedral crystals in highly specific metamorphic manganese deposits, most notably the Långban mines in Sweden.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Argandite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this argandite?

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 argandite with a known reference. Argandite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Argandite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Argandite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, granular.

Often confused with

Argandite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside argandite

Minerals reported to co-occur with argandite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₃(VO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.80-3.90 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find argandite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where argandite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, jakobsite, manganosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify argandite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is argandite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is argandite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like argandite?+

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

What minerals are found with argandite?+

Argandite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Jakobsite, Manganosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does argandite form in?+

Argandite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is argandite used for?+

Argandite is used in collector.

Find argandite on the map

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