Manganokhomyakovite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found primarily in alkaline massifs. Collectors typically look for its distinct rhombohedral crystal form in nepheline syenite environments. It is highly valued as a rare mineralogical study specimen due to its restricted distribution.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Manganokhomyakovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this manganokhomyakovite?

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 manganokhomyakovite with a known reference. Manganokhomyakovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, orange red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: pseudo octohedral.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside manganokhomyakovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₂Ca₆Sr₃Mn₃WZr₃(Si₂₅O₇₃)(O,OH,H₂O)₃(Cl,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.13 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Orange red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Pseudo octohedral
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in an alkaline intrusive complex

Where rockhounds find manganokhomyakovite

Classic worldwide localities

Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in an alkaline intrusive complex. If you start seeing aegirine, albite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo octohedral. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify manganokhomyakovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include orange, orange red.

Where is manganokhomyakovite found?+

Notable localities include Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada (type locality).

Is manganokhomyakovite safe to handle?+

Contains radioactive elements like zirconium and rare earth elements; handle with care and wash hands after handling specimens.

What rocks look like manganokhomyakovite?+

Manganokhomyakovite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Khomyakovite, Kentbrooksite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with manganokhomyakovite?+

Manganokhomyakovite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Albite, Analcime, Annite, Cerussite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does manganokhomyakovite form in?+

Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in an alkaline intrusive complex. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is manganokhomyakovite used for?+

Manganokhomyakovite is used in collector.

Find manganokhomyakovite on the map

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