Manganiakasakaite-(La) is an extremely rare member of the epidote supergroup characterized by its high manganese and lanthanum content. It is primarily found as dark, prismatic crystals within metamorphosed manganese ore deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this manganiakasakaite-(la)?
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 manganiakasakaite-(la) with a known reference. Manganiakasakaite-(La) sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganiakasakaite-(La) leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganiakasakaite-(La) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Manganiakasakaite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Manganiakasakaite-(La) leaves brown, Epidote leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Manganiakasakaite-(La) and vitreous on Epidote.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Manganiakasakaite-(La) leaves brown, Allanite leaves gray.
Often found alongside manganiakasakaite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganiakasakaite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaLaMn³⁺AlMn²⁺(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 4.2-4.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find manganiakasakaite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Tanohata mine, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where manganiakasakaite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing manganite, rhodochrosite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganiakasakaite-(la)?+
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What minerals are found with manganiakasakaite-(la)?+
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Find manganiakasakaite-(la) on the map
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