Manganosegelerite is a rare phosphate mineral found in the secondary zones of complex granite pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, delicate bladed or prismatic crystals that can form thin crusts or radial aggregates, most notably associated with the Tip Top Mine in South Dakota.
Is this manganosegelerite?
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 manganosegelerite with a known reference. Manganosegelerite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Manganosegelerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganosegelerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pinkish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed to prismatic crystals, often as crusts or radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Manganosegelerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside manganosegelerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganosegelerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn²⁺(Fe³⁺,Al)(PO₄)₂(OH)·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Crusts or Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen depending on quality and size
Where rockhounds find manganosegelerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top Mine, Custer, South Dakota, USA
- Mangualde, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where manganosegelerite typically forms. If you start seeing fairfieldite, rockbridgeite, leucophosphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed to prismatic crystals, often as crusts or radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganosegelerite?+
Where is manganosegelerite found?+
How much is manganosegelerite worth?+
What rocks look like manganosegelerite?+
What minerals are found with manganosegelerite?+
What kind of rock does manganosegelerite form in?+
What is manganosegelerite used for?+
Find manganosegelerite on the map
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