Manganolangbeinite is a rare sulfate mineral that forms tetrahedral crystals within volcanic fumarole environments or potash-rich evaporite sequences. It is distinguished from other langbeinite group members by its distinct pink coloration caused by the substitution of manganese into the crystal structure.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareLangbeinite Group family

Manganolangbeinite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this manganolangbeinite?

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 manganolangbeinite with a known reference. Manganolangbeinite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganolangbeinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Manganolangbeinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, pale pink, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside manganolangbeinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Mn₂(SO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Pale Pink Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits, Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find manganolangbeinite

Classic worldwide localities

Vesuvio volcano, Italy
Caracoles, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits, evaporite deposits country, the host setting where manganolangbeinite typically forms. If you start seeing thenardite, anhydrite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify manganolangbeinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, pale pink, colorless.

Where is manganolangbeinite found?+

Notable localities include Vesuvio volcano, Italy; Caracoles, Chile.

How much is manganolangbeinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like manganolangbeinite?+

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

What minerals are found with manganolangbeinite?+

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

What kind of rock does manganolangbeinite form in?+

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

What is manganolangbeinite used for?+

Manganolangbeinite is used in collector.

Find manganolangbeinite on the map

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