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 — 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 — that is 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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