Mangano-ferri-eckermannite is a complex sodium-rich amphibole found primarily in alkaline environments. It typically appears as dark, prismatic or elongated fibrous crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other amphibole species without chemical analysis.
Is this mangano-ferri-eckermannite?
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 mangano-ferri-eckermannite with a known reference. Mangano-ferri-eckermannite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mangano-ferri-eckermannite leaves a pale gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mangano-ferri-eckermannite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black, bluish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous, acicular.
Often confused with
Mangano-ferri-eckermannite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mangano-ferri-eckermannite leaves pale gray, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mangano-ferri-eckermannite leaves pale gray, Eckermannite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mangano-ferri-eckermannite leaves pale gray, Riebeckite leaves blue-gray.
Often found alongside mangano-ferri-eckermannite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mangano-ferri-eckermannite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaNa₂(Mg₄Fe³⁺)Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.2-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Fibrous, Acicular
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Syenites, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find mangano-ferri-eckermannite
Classic worldwide localities
- Norway
- Canada
- Russia
- Sweden
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, syenites, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where mangano-ferri-eckermannite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, fibrous, acicular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mangano-ferri-eckermannite on the map
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