Holdawayite is a very rare manganese carbonate hydroxide mineral typically found in the famous zinc mines of Franklin and Sterling Hill, New Jersey. It generally occurs as delicate, pale pink platy crystals or granular masses embedded within larger manganese-zinc mineral assemblages. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and extreme scarcity in the global mineral market.
Is this holdawayite?
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 holdawayite with a known reference. Holdawayite 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. Holdawayite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Holdawayite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, pale pink, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Holdawayite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside holdawayite
Minerals reported to co-occur with holdawayite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn₆(CO₃)₂(OH,Cl)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Zinc-manganese Ore Bodies
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find holdawayite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed zinc-manganese ore bodies country — that is the host setting where holdawayite typically forms. If you start seeing hodgkinsonite, willemite, franklinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find holdawayite on the map
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