Maneckiite is a rare phosphate mineral found as part of the wicksite group in complex phosphate-bearing granitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow bladed crystals associated with other secondary phosphate minerals.
Is this maneckiite?
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 maneckiite with a known reference. Maneckiite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Maneckiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Maneckiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Maneckiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside maneckiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with maneckiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Fe²⁺₂Mg₂(Fe³⁺,Mn³⁺)(PO₄)₄(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-200 for micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find maneckiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kiełczygłów, Poland
- Mangualde, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where maneckiite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, graftonite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify maneckiite?+
Where is maneckiite found?+
How much is maneckiite worth?+
What rocks look like maneckiite?+
What minerals are found with maneckiite?+
What kind of rock does maneckiite form in?+
What is maneckiite used for?+
Find maneckiite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
