Manandonite is a rare lithium-bearing silicate mineral belonging to the chlorite group that typically forms thin, flexible, micaceous plates. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry involving boron and its occurrence in complex lithium-rich pegmatite environments.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareChlorite Group family

Manandonite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this manandonite?

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 manandonite with a known reference. Manandonite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manandonite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Manandonite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous masses.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside manandonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Li₂Al₄(Si₂AlB)O₁₀(OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Micaceous Masses
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find manandonite

Classic worldwide localities

Manandon, Madagascar
Mount Mica, Maine, USA
Papachacra, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where manandonite typically forms. If you start seeing tourmaline, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify manandonite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale pink.

Where is manandonite found?+

Notable localities include Manandon, Madagascar; Mount Mica, Maine, USA; Papachacra, Argentina.

How much is manandonite 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.

What rocks look like manandonite?+

Manandonite is most often confused with Muscovite, Lepidolite, Clinochlore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with manandonite?+

Manandonite commonly co-occurs with Tourmaline, Quartz, Albite, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does manandonite form in?+

Manandonite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is manandonite used for?+

Manandonite is used in collector.

Find manandonite on the map

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