Manganokaskasite is a rare molybdenum niobium manganese hydroxide, typically iron black. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2013. It was first described from Mt. Kaskasnyunchorr, Khibiny alkaline complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia.
Is this manganokaskasite?
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 manganokaskasite with a known reference. Manganokaskasite sits at Mohs ~1, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: iron black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Manganokaskasite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- (Mo,Nb)S₂·(Mn₁₋ₓAlₓ)(OH)₂₊ₓ
- Mohs hardness
- ~1
- Density
- 4.09 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Of hydrothermal origin in fenites formed by a peralkaline fluid, as a source of Nb, reacting with a xenolith of alumina-rich metamorphic rocks (metapelites) in agpaitic nepheline syenite
Where rockhounds find manganokaskasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Kaskasnyunchorr, Khibiny alkaline complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of hydrothermal origin in fenites formed by a peralkaline fluid, as a source of Nb, reacting with a xenolith of alumina-rich metamorphic rocks (metapelites) in agpaitic nepheline syenite. If you start seeing orthoclase, anorthoclase, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganokaskasite?+
Where is manganokaskasite found?+
What rocks look like manganokaskasite?+
What minerals are found with manganokaskasite?+
What kind of rock does manganokaskasite form in?+
What is manganokaskasite used for?+
Find manganokaskasite on the map
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