Ganomalite is a rare lead-calcium silicate mineral typically found in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It usually occurs as massive, granular aggregates or small tabular crystals and is highly sought after by collectors of rare lead species.
Is this ganomalite?
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 ganomalite with a known reference. Ganomalite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ganomalite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ganomalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, grayish, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Ganomalite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ganomalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ganomalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₉Ca₅(Si₂O₇)₃(SiO₄)O₁₋₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance
Where rockhounds find ganomalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where ganomalite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, andradite, lead 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 ganomalite?+
Where is ganomalite found?+
How much is ganomalite worth?+
Is ganomalite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like ganomalite?+
What minerals are found with ganomalite?+
What kind of rock does ganomalite form in?+
What is ganomalite used for?+
Find ganomalite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
