Marklite is a very rare hydrated manganese sulfate mineral typically found as small, thin tabular crystals. It is most famous for its occurrences in manganese-rich metamorphic deposits, notably in the historic mines of Långban, Sweden, and Franklin, New Jersey.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Marklite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this marklite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gypsum

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Marklite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2).

Often found alongside marklite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Mn(SO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish Greenish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Granular
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find marklite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country, the host setting where marklite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify marklite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish, greenish.

Where is marklite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden; Franklin, New Jersey, USA.

How much is marklite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like marklite?+

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

What minerals are found with marklite?+

Marklite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Baryte, Calcite, Manganite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does marklite form in?+

Marklite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is marklite used for?+

Marklite is used in collector.

Find marklite on the map

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