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, 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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