Mangazeite is an extremely rare aluminum sulfate mineral typically found as small, colorless platy crystals in evaporite environments. It is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors due to its scarcity and distinct trigonal platy habit. Identification usually requires X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to other secondary aluminum sulfates.
Is this mangazeite?
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 mangazeite with a known reference. Mangazeite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mangazeite leaves a colorless streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mangazeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Mangazeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Alunite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Mangazeite leaves colorless, Alunite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mangazeite leaves colorless, Gibbsite leaves white.
Often found alongside mangazeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mangazeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂(SO₄)(OH)₄·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 2.21 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
Where rockhounds find mangazeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mangazea, Russia
- various Russian evaporite deposits
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where mangazeite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mangazeite?+
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What rocks look like mangazeite?+
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Find mangazeite on the map
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