Manganberzeliite is a rare manganese-dominant member of the garnet supergroup typically found in the famous manganese mines of Sweden. It usually occurs as compact, brownish-yellow granular masses or small dodecahedral crystals associated with various manganese oxides. Its distinct chemistry and rarity make it a prized specimen for advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Manganberzeliite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this manganberzeliite?

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 manganberzeliite with a known reference. Manganberzeliite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganberzeliite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Manganberzeliite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Manganberzeliite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside manganberzeliite

Minerals reported to co-occur with manganberzeliite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa₂(Mg₂Mn³⁺₂)As₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish Yellow Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find manganberzeliite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Jakobsberg, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country, the host setting where manganberzeliite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, jacobsite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify manganberzeliite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish yellow, orange.

Where is manganberzeliite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden; Jakobsberg, Sweden.

How much is manganberzeliite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is manganberzeliite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest dust or fragments. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like manganberzeliite?+

Manganberzeliite is most often confused with Berzeliite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with manganberzeliite?+

Manganberzeliite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Jacobsite, Dolomite, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does manganberzeliite form in?+

Manganberzeliite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is manganberzeliite used for?+

Manganberzeliite is used in collector.

Find manganberzeliite on the map

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