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, 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.