Harstigite is a very rare sorosilicate mineral primarily known from the historic manganese mines of Värmland, Sweden. It typically occurs as small, pale, prismatic crystals within metamorphosed carbonate-rich environments associated with manganese ores.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Harstigite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this harstigite?

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 harstigite with a known reference. Harstigite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Harstigite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Harstigite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often showing complex striations..

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside harstigite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₆MnBe₄(SiO₄)₂(Si₂O₇)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals, Often Showing Complex Striations.
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese-rich Iron Ores
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find harstigite

Classic worldwide localities

Harstigen Mine, Pajsberg, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese-rich iron ores country — that is the host setting where harstigite typically forms. If you start seeing garnet, calcite, rhodochrosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals, often showing complex striations. habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify harstigite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale pink.

Where is harstigite found?+

Notable localities include Harstigen Mine, Pajsberg, Värmland, Sweden.

How much is harstigite 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 harstigite?+

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

What minerals are found with harstigite?+

Harstigite commonly co-occurs with Garnet, Calcite, Rhodochrosite, Magnetite, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does harstigite form in?+

Harstigite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese-rich iron ores. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is harstigite used for?+

Harstigite is used in collector.

Find harstigite on the map

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