Jouravskite is a rare hydrated calcium manganese sulfate-carbonate member of the ettringite group. It typically occurs as delicate, bright yellow prismatic crystals or radial sprays in manganese mines and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this jouravskite?
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 jouravskite with a known reference. Jouravskite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jouravskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Jouravskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Jouravskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside jouravskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with jouravskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₃Mn⁴⁺(SO₄)(CO₃)(OH)₆·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 1.89 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Deposits in Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find jouravskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jura Mountains, France
- N'Chwaning Mines, South Africa
- Wessels Mine, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese deposits in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where jouravskite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, bementite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find jouravskite on the map
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