Mangangordonite is a rare phosphate mineral typically found as delicate bladed crystals or radiating aggregates in phosphate-rich pegmatites. Collectors should look for its distinctive pink coloration often associated with other secondary phosphate minerals.
Is this mangangordonite?
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 mangangordonite with a known reference. Mangangordonite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mangangordonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mangangordonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, pale pink, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, prismatic aggregates.
Often confused with
Mangangordonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mangangordonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mangangordonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺Mn²⁺₂Al₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Prismatic Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 for micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find mangangordonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Hagendorf-Pleystein, Bavaria, Germany
- Mangualde, Viseu, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where mangangordonite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, hureaulite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, prismatic aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mangangordonite on the map
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