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, 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?+
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How much is manganiceladonite worth?+
What rocks look like manganiceladonite?+
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Find manganiceladonite on the map
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