Canutite is a rare sodium manganese arsenate mineral found as thin, platy crystals in oxidized manganese deposits. It is known primarily from the Torrecillas mine in Chile, where it forms in arid environments alongside various manganese minerals. Due to its arsenic content, specimens should be stored securely and handled with standard safety protocols.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Canutite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this canutite?

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 canutite with a known reference. Canutite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Canutite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Canutite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tilasite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Tilasite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3).

How to tell apart: Berzeliite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3).

Compare →

Often found alongside canutite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaMn₅(AsO₄)₄(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Manganese-rich Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find canutite

Classic worldwide localities

Torrecillas mine, Salar Grande, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized manganese-rich volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where canutite typically forms. If you start seeing arrojadite, takanelite, manganoan calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify canutite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is canutite found?+

Notable localities include Torrecillas mine, Salar Grande, Chile.

How much is canutite 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.

Is canutite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like canutite?+

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

What minerals are found with canutite?+

Canutite commonly co-occurs with arrojadite, takanelite, manganoan calcite, gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does canutite form in?+

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

What is canutite used for?+

Canutite is used in collector.

Find canutite on the map

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