Jeankempite is an extremely rare manganese phosphate mineral found in specific phosphate-rich pegmatite environments. It typically forms delicate, needle-like acicular crystals that are often microscopic and require magnification for detailed study.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Jeankempite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this jeankempite?

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 jeankempite with a known reference. Jeankempite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jeankempite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jeankempite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside jeankempite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Phosphate-rich Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 for micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find jeankempite

Classic worldwide localities

Jeankemp mine, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in phosphate-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where jeankempite typically forms. If you start seeing triplite, phosphosiderite, ludlamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify jeankempite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is jeankempite found?+

Notable localities include Jeankemp mine, South Africa.

How much is jeankempite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for micro-mount or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like jeankempite?+

Jeankempite is most often confused with Stewartite, Laueite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with jeankempite?+

Jeankempite commonly co-occurs with Triplite, Phosphosiderite, Ludlamite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jeankempite form in?+

Jeankempite typically forms in phosphate-rich pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is jeankempite used for?+

Jeankempite is used in collector.

Find jeankempite on the map

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