Leucophoenicite is a rare manganese silicate mineral typically found in metamorphosed zinc-manganese ore bodies. It is most famous from the Franklin and Sterling Hill mines in New Jersey, where it appears as small, reddish-pink crystals or compact masses associated with other rare zinc minerals.
Is this leucophoenicite?
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 leucophoenicite with a known reference. Leucophoenicite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Leucophoenicite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Leucophoenicite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, pink, brownish-red, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Leucophoenicite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside leucophoenicite
Minerals reported to co-occur with leucophoenicite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn₇(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Mineralogical Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find leucophoenicite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
- Langban, Sweden
- Pajsberg, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where leucophoenicite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify leucophoenicite?+
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How much is leucophoenicite worth?+
What rocks look like leucophoenicite?+
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Find leucophoenicite on the map
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