Falottaite is an exceptionally rare manganese silicate mineral known primarily from its type locality in the Swiss Alps. Collectors typically find it as small, yellowish, tabular crystals embedded within manganese-rich quartzites and metamorphic rock formations.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareStrunz Group family

Falottaite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this falottaite?

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 falottaite with a known reference. Falottaite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Falottaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Falottaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Tuhualite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 3).

How to tell apart: Zektzerite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3).

Compare →

Often found alongside falottaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Mn₄(Si₈O₂₀)·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganiferous Quartzite
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find falottaite

Classic worldwide localities

Falotta, Switzerland
Val d'Err, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganiferous quartzite country — that is the host setting where falottaite typically forms. If you start seeing rhodonite, braunite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify falottaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is falottaite found?+

Notable localities include Falotta, Switzerland; Val d'Err, Switzerland.

How much is falottaite 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 falottaite?+

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

What minerals are found with falottaite?+

Falottaite commonly co-occurs with Rhodonite, Braunite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does falottaite form in?+

Falottaite typically forms in manganiferous quartzite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is falottaite used for?+

Falottaite is used in collector.

Find falottaite on the map

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