Manganoblödite is a rare manganese-bearing sulfate mineral belonging to the blödite group. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals within evaporate sequences and is prized by mineral collectors due to its rarity and specific chemical composition.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBlödite Group family

Manganoblödite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this manganoblödite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch manganoblödite with a known reference. Manganoblödite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganoblödite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Manganoblödite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Manganoblödite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside manganoblödite

Minerals reported to co-occur with manganoblödite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Mn(SO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.35 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find manganoblödite

Classic worldwide localities

Kassel, Hesse, Germany
Atacama Region, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where manganoblödite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, thenardite, epsomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify manganoblödite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange, brown.

Where is manganoblödite found?+

Notable localities include Kassel, Hesse, Germany; Atacama Region, Chile.

How much is manganoblödite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like manganoblödite?+

Manganoblödite is most often confused with Bloedite, Leonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with manganoblödite?+

Manganoblödite commonly co-occurs with Halite, Thenardite, Epsomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does manganoblödite form in?+

Manganoblödite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is manganoblödite used for?+

Manganoblödite is used in collector.

Find manganoblödite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.