Hansesmarkite is a very rare manganese calcium silicate mineral occurring in phosphate-rich granitic pegmatites. It typically forms as delicate, platy crystals or radiating sprays and is primarily valued by advanced micromount collectors due to its extreme scarcity.
Is this hansesmarkite?
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 hansesmarkite with a known reference. Hansesmarkite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hansesmarkite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hansesmarkite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Hansesmarkite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hansesmarkite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hansesmarkite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn₂Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hansesmarkite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where hansesmarkite typically forms. If you start seeing hagendorfite, triphylite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hansesmarkite?+
Where is hansesmarkite found?+
How much is hansesmarkite worth?+
What rocks look like hansesmarkite?+
What minerals are found with hansesmarkite?+
What kind of rock does hansesmarkite form in?+
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Find hansesmarkite on the map
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