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 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown.
- 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, so Manganiakasakaite-(La) leaves brown, Epidote leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganiakasakaite-(La) leaves brown, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Manganiakasakaite-(La) and submetallic on Allanite.
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
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 4.09 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a manganese deposit in metasedimentary rocks
Where rockhounds find manganiakasakaite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Maniglia, Bellino, Varaita Valley, Cuneo Province, Piedmont, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a manganese deposit in metasedimentary rocks. If you start seeing pyroxmangite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganiakasakaite-(la)?+
Where is manganiakasakaite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like manganiakasakaite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with manganiakasakaite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does manganiakasakaite-(la) form in?+
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Find manganiakasakaite-(la) on the map
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