Manganiceladonite is a rare manganese-bearing member of the mica group, closely related to celadonite. It typically occurs as fine-grained, earthy, or micaceous crusts and fillings within cavities of altered volcanic rocks, characterized by its distinct green to blue-green color.
Is this manganiceladonite?
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 manganiceladonite with a known reference. Manganiceladonite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganiceladonite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganiceladonite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, blue-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: earthy, micaceous, massive.
Often confused with
Manganiceladonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside manganiceladonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganiceladonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K(Mg,Mn²⁺)(Fe³⁺,Al)Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.7-2.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Earthy, Micaceous, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Study
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 for small study specimens
Where rockhounds find manganiceladonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Czech Republic
- Italy
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alteration zones in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where manganiceladonite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, zeolites in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a earthy, micaceous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganiceladonite?+
Where is manganiceladonite found?+
How much is manganiceladonite worth?+
What rocks look like manganiceladonite?+
What minerals are found with manganiceladonite?+
What kind of rock does manganiceladonite form in?+
What is manganiceladonite used for?+
Find manganiceladonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
