Friedelite is a rare manganese silicate that typically forms in metamorphosed manganese-rich deposits. It is most recognizable by its distinct pink to brownish-red color and perfect basal cleavage, often appearing as tabular crystals or in massive form alongside other manganese minerals.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareFriedelite Group family

Friedelite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this friedelite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside friedelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₈Si₆O₁₅(OH,Cl)₁₀
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.04-3.13 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Brown Red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find friedelite

Classic worldwide localities

Harstigen Mine, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
Val d'Err, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where friedelite typically forms. If you start seeing andradite, calcite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify friedelite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, brown, red.

Where is friedelite found?+

Notable localities include Harstigen Mine, Sweden; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA; Val d'Err, Switzerland.

How much is friedelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like friedelite?+

Friedelite is most often confused with Rhodonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with friedelite?+

Friedelite commonly co-occurs with Andradite, Calcite, Hematite, Magnetite, Willemite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does friedelite form in?+

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

What is friedelite used for?+

Friedelite is used in collector.

Find friedelite on the map

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