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.

Hardness
3.5
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this d'ansite-(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 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.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. D'Ansite-(Mn) leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. D'Ansite-(Mn) typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal 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.

Common questions

How do you identify d'ansite-(mn)?+
Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.
Where is d'ansite-(mn) found?+
Notable localities include D'Ansite Salt Deposit, Danakil Depression, Ethiopia.
How much is d'ansite-(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 d'ansite-(mn)?+
D'Ansite-(Mn) is most often confused with D'Ansite-(Fe), Halite, Thenardite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with d'ansite-(mn)?+
D'Ansite-(Mn) commonly co-occurs with Halite, Thenardite, Sylvite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does d'ansite-(mn) form in?+
D'Ansite-(Mn) typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is d'ansite-(mn) used for?+
D'Ansite-(Mn) is used in collector.

Find d'ansite-(mn) on the map

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