Carpholite is a distinct sorosilicate typically found as delicate, straw-like radiating fibers or sheaves in metamorphic environments. It is highly valued by collectors for its aesthetic radiating habits and vibrant straw-yellow color. It is most frequently encountered in low-grade regional metamorphic belts.
Is this carpholite?
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 carpholite with a known reference. Carpholite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carpholite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Carpholite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: straw-yellow, pale yellow, brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, radiating, or acicular aggregates.
Often confused with
Carpholite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside carpholite
Minerals reported to co-occur with carpholite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnAl₂Si₂O₆(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 2.9-3.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Radiating, Or Acicular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Low-grade Metamorphic Rocks, Particularly in Manganese-rich Schists and Phyllites
- Typical price
- $10-60 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find carpholite
Classic worldwide localities
- Czech Republic
- Belgium
- Japan
- Germany
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in low-grade metamorphic rocks, particularly in manganese-rich schists and phyllites country — that is the host setting where carpholite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chlorite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, radiating, or acicular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find carpholite on the map
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