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 — that is 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
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Find maneckiite on the map
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