Manganochromite is a rare member of the spinel group characterized by its high manganese and chromium content. It typically occurs as black, opaque octahedral crystals or massive aggregates within metamorphosed manganese ore bodies. Collectors look for it in high-grade metamorphic environments, often associated with other manganese-rich oxide minerals.
Is this manganochromite?
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 manganochromite with a known reference. Manganochromite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganochromite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganochromite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: isometric. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Manganochromite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Manganochromite leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Manganochromite and submetallic on Chromite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Manganochromite and metallic to submetallic on Jacobsite.
Often found alongside manganochromite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganochromite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Fe)(Cr,V)₂O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 4.5-4.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Isometric
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find manganochromite
Classic worldwide localities
- Otjosondu, Namibia
- Jakobsberg, Sweden
- Langban, Sweden
- Srednyaya Padma, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where manganochromite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, bixbyite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find manganochromite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
