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

~4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCerchiaraite Group family

Cerchiaraite-(Mn)

Hardness: ~4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale green
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 ~4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep green.
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.

mineral

Cerchiaraite-(Fe)

Mohs ~4.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cerchiaraite-(Mn) leaves pale green, Cerchiaraite-(Fe) leaves colorless to tan or pale green-blue.

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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: Ba₄Mn₄(Si₄O₁₂)O₂(OH)₄Cl₂[Si₂O₃(OH)₄]
Mohs hardness: ~4.5
Density: 3.62 g/cm³
Colors: Deep green
Streak: Pale green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Developed in small fractures and veinlets within metacherts of an ophiolitic sequence during prehnite-pumpellyite facies metamorphism

Where rockhounds find cerchiaraite-(mn)

Classic worldwide localities

Cerchiara mine, near Faggiona village, Borghetto Vara, Vara Valley, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Developed in small fractures and veinlets within metacherts of an ophiolitic sequence during prehnite-pumpellyite facies metamorphism. If you start seeing quartz, pectolite, orientite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cerchiaraite-(mn)?+

Mohs hardness is ~4.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale green. Common colors include deep green.

Where is cerchiaraite-(mn) found?+

Notable localities include Cerchiara mine, near Faggiona village, Borghetto Vara, Vara Valley, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy.

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 Quartz, Pectolite, Orientite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: Developed in small fractures and veinlets within metacherts of an ophiolitic sequence during prehnite-pumpellyite facies metamorphism. 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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