D'Ansite-(Mn) is a rare sulfate mineral found within hypersaline evaporite environments. It typically forms as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or crystalline aggregates and is primarily identified via chemical analysis in professional mineralogical studies.
Is this d'ansite-(mn)?
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 d'ansite-(mn) with a known reference. D'Ansite-(Mn) sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. D'Ansite-(Mn) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. D'Ansite-(Mn) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
D'Ansite-(Mn) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside d'ansite-(mn)
Minerals reported to co-occur with d'ansite-(mn). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂₁Mn(SO₄)₁₀Cl₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find d'ansite-(mn)
Classic worldwide localities
- D'Ansite Salt Deposit, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where d'ansite-(mn) typically forms. If you start seeing halite, thenardite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.



