Manganokaskasite is a rare manganese-dominant member of the kaskasite group found in alkaline igneous environments. It typically forms thin, brittle, platy crystals with a distinct pearly luster that are highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Brownish Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareKaskasite family

Manganokaskasite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Brownish Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this manganokaskasite?

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 manganokaskasite with a known reference. Manganokaskasite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganokaskasite leaves a brownish black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Manganokaskasite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Manganokaskasite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Manganokaskasite leaves brownish black, Kaskasite leaves white.

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Often found alongside manganokaskasite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn²⁺,Mg,Fe²⁺)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.2-3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Brownish Black
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find manganokaskasite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where manganokaskasite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify manganokaskasite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is brownish black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is manganokaskasite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is manganokaskasite 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 manganokaskasite?+

Manganokaskasite is most often confused with Kaskasite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with manganokaskasite?+

Manganokaskasite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does manganokaskasite form in?+

Manganokaskasite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is manganokaskasite used for?+

Manganokaskasite is used in collector.

Find manganokaskasite on the map

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