Donpeacorite is a rare manganese-rich member of the orthopyroxene group, structurally distinct from its monoclinic counterparts. It is primarily found in metamorphosed manganese deposits where it forms yellowish-brown prismatic crystals or granular aggregates. Collectors usually seek specimens from historic Swedish manganese mines or the famous Franklin locality.
Is this donpeacorite?
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 donpeacorite with a known reference. Donpeacorite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Donpeacorite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Donpeacorite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Donpeacorite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside donpeacorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with donpeacorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Mg)MgSi₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.37-3.41 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find donpeacorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Langban, Sweden
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Jakobsberg, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese deposits country, the host setting where donpeacorite typically forms. If you start seeing rhondonite, jacobsite, hausmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find donpeacorite on the map
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