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, 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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