Manganlotharmeyerite is a rare member of the Tsumcorite group typically found in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits. It is best identified by its distinct yellowish-orange prismatic crystals and close association with other secondary manganese and arsenic-bearing minerals.
Is this manganlotharmeyerite?
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 manganlotharmeyerite with a known reference. Manganlotharmeyerite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganlotharmeyerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganlotharmeyerite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Manganlotharmeyerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganlotharmeyerite leaves yellow, Tsumcorite leaves yellowish; luster reads adamantine on Manganlotharmeyerite and vitreous on Tsumcorite.
How to tell apart: Manganlotharmeyerite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3.5); luster reads adamantine on Manganlotharmeyerite and vitreous on Lotharmeyerite.
Often found alongside manganlotharmeyerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganlotharmeyerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn³⁺₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find manganlotharmeyerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kombat Mine, Namibia
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal mineral deposits country, the host setting where manganlotharmeyerite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, hematite, hausmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find manganlotharmeyerite on the map
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