Labuntsovite-Mn is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically occurring as small, vibrant reddish-brown prismatic crystals. It is most often found in alkaline igneous environments like the Khibiny Massif or the famous pegmatites of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Collectors prize these specimens for their sharp crystal habit and distinct coloration within rare alkaline mineral assemblages.
Is this labuntsovite-mn?
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 labuntsovite-mn with a known reference. Labuntsovite-Mn sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish yellow, pink, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Labuntsovite-Mn vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Labuntsovite-Mn is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 5); luster reads greasy on Labuntsovite-Mn and vitreous to dull on Nenadkevichite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads greasy on Labuntsovite-Mn and vitreous to pearly on Leucosphenite.
Often found alongside labuntsovite-mn
Minerals reported to co-occur with labuntsovite-mn. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄K₄Mn₂Ti₈O₄(Si₄O₁₂)₄(OH)₄·10-12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.89-3.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A hydrothermal alteration product of murmanite in alkalic pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif and in carbonatite
Where rockhounds find labuntsovite-mn
Classic worldwide localities
- In the Lovozero, Khibiny, and Kovdor massifs and the Vuoriyarvi carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A hydrothermal alteration product of murmanite in alkalic pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif and in carbonatite. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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