Manganbelyankinite is a rare hydrated manganese titanium-niobium oxide found in alkaline pegmatite complexes. Collectors look for its characteristic yellowish-brown tabular crystals often embedded within nepheline-rich rocks. It is chemically complex and typically identified through advanced mineralogical testing due to its close similarity to other members of the Belyankinite group.
Is this manganbelyankinite?
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 manganbelyankinite with a known reference. Manganbelyankinite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganbelyankinite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganbelyankinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Manganbelyankinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Manganbelyankinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Manganbelyankinite leaves yellowish-white, Belyankinite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Manganbelyankinite and pearly on Belyankinite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Manganbelyankinite and dull on Gerasimovskite.
Often found alongside manganbelyankinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganbelyankinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Ca)(Ti,Nb,Ta)₅O₁₂·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.32-3.41 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-200 per specimen
Where rockhounds find manganbelyankinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where manganbelyankinite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find manganbelyankinite on the map
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