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.
Is this manganolangbeinite?
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 manganolangbeinite with a known reference. Manganolangbeinite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 3.02-3.03 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Tetrahedral crystals, granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a cavern in lava, in thenardite and halite stalactites, formed by fumarolic action
Where rockhounds find manganolangbeinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vesuvius, Campania, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a cavern in lava, in thenardite and halite stalactites, formed by fumarolic action. If you start seeing thenardite, halite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganolangbeinite?+
Where is manganolangbeinite found?+
What rocks look like manganolangbeinite?+
What minerals are found with manganolangbeinite?+
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What is manganolangbeinite used for?+
Find manganolangbeinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
