Eveite is a rare manganese arsenate mineral typically found as small, vibrant green crusts or sharp crystals in manganese-rich deposits. It is best identified through its association with specific manganese minerals and its distinct orthorhombic crystal habit. Collectors prize it for its intense green color and status as a sought-after rarity from localities like the Långban mine.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareDuftite Group family

Eveite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Translucent

Is this eveite?

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 eveite with a known reference. Eveite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eveite leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Eveite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant crystals, crusts, or radiating groups.

Often confused with

Eveite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside eveite

Minerals reported to co-occur with eveite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₂AsO₄(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.38 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellowish-green
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Equant Crystals, Crusts, Or Radiating Groups
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find eveite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban mine, Sweden
Mapimi, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where eveite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, hedyphane in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals, crusts, or radiating groups habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify eveite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include green, yellowish-green.

Where is eveite found?+

Notable localities include Långban mine, Sweden; Mapimi, Mexico.

How much is eveite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is eveite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when cleaning specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like eveite?+

Eveite is most often confused with Duftite, Conichalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with eveite?+

Eveite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Braunite, Hedyphane. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does eveite form in?+

Eveite typically forms in hydrothermal manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is eveite used for?+

Eveite is used in collector.

Find eveite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.