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. Manganiandrosite-(Ce) leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganiandrosite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, black.
- 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 — Manganiandrosite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Epidote leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Manganiandrosite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Manganiandrosite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Manganiandrosite-(Ce) leaves brownish, Piemontite leaves reddish-brown.
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⁺Mn³⁺AlMn²⁺(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 3.85-3.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese-rich Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find manganiandrosite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Varenche mine, Aosta Valley, Italy
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Jakobsberg mine, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where manganiandrosite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, quartz, calcite 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 manganiandrosite-(ce)?+
Where is manganiandrosite-(ce) found?+
How much is manganiandrosite-(ce) worth?+
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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