Manganiandrosite-(Ce) is a rare member of the epidote group typically found in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It usually appears as dark brown to black prismatic crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from other manganese-rich silicates without laboratory analysis.
Is this manganiandrosite-(ce)?
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 manganiandrosite-(ce) with a known reference. Manganiandrosite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: reddish brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Manganiandrosite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganiandrosite-(Ce) leaves reddish brown, Epidote leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganiandrosite-(Ce) leaves reddish brown, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Manganiandrosite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside manganiandrosite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganiandrosite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺CeMn³⁺AlMn²⁺(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 4.21-4.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Reddish brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In metamorphosed (eclogite facies) lenses near Mn deposits associated with ophiolite
Where rockhounds find manganiandrosite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Praborna manganese mine, Saint-Marcel, Aosta valley, Italy (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In metamorphosed (eclogite facies) lenses near Mn deposits associated with ophiolite. If you start seeing tephroite, mn-pyroxenoid, hematite 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 manganiandrosite-(ce)?+
Where is manganiandrosite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like manganiandrosite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with manganiandrosite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does manganiandrosite-(ce) form in?+
What is manganiandrosite-(ce) used for?+
Find manganiandrosite-(ce) on the map
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