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, 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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