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 — that is 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.