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

mineralrare

D'Ansite-(Mn)

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. 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.

How to tell apart: D'Ansite-(Mn) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5).

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: 2.610 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As encrustations on pyroclastic breccia in volcanic fumaroles

Where rockhounds find d'ansite-(mn)

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Vesuvius, Naples, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As encrustations on pyroclastic breccia in volcanic fumaroles. If you start seeing halite, aphthitalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify d'ansite-(mn)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is d'ansite-(mn) found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Vesuvius, Naples, Italy.

What rocks look like d'ansite-(mn)?+

D'Ansite-(Mn) is most often confused with D'Ansite-(Fe), Halite, Thénardite. 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, Aphthitalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does d'ansite-(mn) form in?+

Where it forms: As encrustations on pyroclastic breccia in volcanic fumaroles. 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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