Cerchiaraite-(Mn) is a rare silicate mineral found in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or massive aggregates and is distinguished from its iron-bearing analogue, Cerchiaraite-(Fe), by its chemical composition and specific locality.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCerchiaraite Group family

Cerchiaraite-(Mn)

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this cerchiaraite-(mn)?

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 cerchiaraite-(mn) with a known reference. Cerchiaraite-(Mn) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cerchiaraite-(Mn) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cerchiaraite-(Mn) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Cerchiaraite-(Mn) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside cerchiaraite-(mn)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₄Mn₂Si₄O₁₂ (Si₂O₇) (OH)₄Cl₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find cerchiaraite-(mn)

Classic worldwide localities

Cerchiara mine, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where cerchiaraite-(mn) typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, quartz, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cerchiaraite-(mn)?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange-brown.

Where is cerchiaraite-(mn) found?+

Notable localities include Cerchiara mine, Italy.

How much is cerchiaraite-(mn) 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.

What rocks look like cerchiaraite-(mn)?+

Cerchiaraite-(Mn) is most often confused with Cerchiaraite-(Fe). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with cerchiaraite-(mn)?+

Cerchiaraite-(Mn) commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Quartz, Hematite, Baryte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cerchiaraite-(mn) form in?+

Cerchiaraite-(Mn) typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cerchiaraite-(mn) used for?+

Cerchiaraite-(Mn) is used in collector.

Find cerchiaraite-(mn) on the map

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