Krautite is a rare manganese arsenate mineral that typically forms delicate, pink to colorless platy crystals. It is primarily found in manganese ore deposits where it occurs as a secondary mineral in hydrothermal environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Krautite

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

Is this krautite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Haigerachite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Krautite leaves white, Haigerachite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Krautite and resinous on Haigerachite.

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Often found alongside krautite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn(AsO₃OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.71 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Divergent Clusters
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Manganese-rich Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find krautite

Classic worldwide localities

Odenwald, Germany
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in manganese-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where krautite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, siderite, hausmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, divergent clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify krautite?+

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

Where is krautite found?+

Notable localities include Odenwald, Germany; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA.

How much is krautite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is krautite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like krautite?+

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

What minerals are found with krautite?+

Krautite commonly co-occurs with Arsenopyrite, Siderite, Hausmannite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does krautite form in?+

Krautite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in manganese-rich deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is krautite used for?+

Krautite is used in collector.

Find krautite on the map

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