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 — 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 — that is 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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