Manganoquadratite is an extremely rare silver manganese arsenic sulfosalt discovered in hydrothermal deposits. It typically forms thin, tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from associated sulfosalts without advanced testing.
Is this manganoquadratite?
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 manganoquadratite with a known reference. Manganoquadratite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: reddish brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Manganoquadratite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganoquadratite leaves reddish brown, Proustite leaves vermilion; luster reads metallic on Manganoquadratite and adamantine on Proustite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganoquadratite leaves reddish brown, Pyrargyrite leaves purplish red; luster reads metallic on Manganoquadratite and adamantine on Pyrargyrite.
Often found alongside manganoquadratite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganoquadratite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AgMnAsS₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 4.680 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Reddish brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- None observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a complex vein-type polymetallic hydrothermal deposit
Where rockhounds find manganoquadratite
Classic worldwide localities
- Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Oyon Province, Catajambo Region, Lima Department, Peru
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a complex vein-type polymetallic hydrothermal deposit. If you start seeing alabandite, mn-rich calcite, mn-rich sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganoquadratite?+
Where is manganoquadratite found?+
Is manganoquadratite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like manganoquadratite?+
What minerals are found with manganoquadratite?+
What kind of rock does manganoquadratite form in?+
What is manganoquadratite used for?+
Find manganoquadratite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
