Långbanite is a rare manganese antimonate mineral typically found as tabular crystals or in massive form. It is highly sought after by collectors for its type locality in the Långban mines of Sweden, known for its unique mineral assemblage.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Långbanite

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this långbanite?

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 långbanite with a known reference. Långbanite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Långbanite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Långbanite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, iron-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Hausmannite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Långbanite leaves black, Hausmannite leaves brownish-red.

Often found alongside långbanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn,Ca)₄(Mn,Mg)₃Sb₅⁺O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 4.7-4.9 g/cm³
Colors: Black Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Hexagonal Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese-iron Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality

Where rockhounds find långbanite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Jakobsberg, Sweden
Nordmark, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where långbanite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, brazhnikovite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular hexagonal crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify långbanite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, iron-black.

Where is långbanite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden; Jakobsberg, Sweden; Nordmark, Sweden.

How much is långbanite worth?+

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

Is långbanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains manganese and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like långbanite?+

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

What minerals are found with långbanite?+

Långbanite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Brazhnikovite, Magnetite, Dolomite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does långbanite form in?+

Långbanite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese-iron ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is långbanite used for?+

Långbanite is used in collector.

Find långbanite on the map

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