Marokite is an uncommon manganese oxide mineral primarily known from the Tachgagalt mine in Morocco. It typically occurs as dark, submetallic tabular crystals embedded within manganese-rich host rocks alongside other manganese minerals.

Hardness

6.5

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Marokite

Hardness: 6.5
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this marokite?

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 marokite with a known reference. Marokite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Marokite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Marokite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Marokite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5 vs. 5-5.5); streak differs, so Marokite leaves black, Hausmannite leaves brownish-red.

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Often found alongside marokite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMn₂O₄
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Density: 4.87 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese Deposits in Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail depending on matrix and crystal size

Where rockhounds find marokite

Classic worldwide localities

Tachgagalt mine, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese deposits in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where marokite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, hetaerolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify marokite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is marokite found?+

Notable localities include Tachgagalt mine, Morocco.

How much is marokite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail depending on matrix and crystal size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like marokite?+

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

What minerals are found with marokite?+

Marokite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Braunite, Hetaerolite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does marokite form in?+

Marokite typically forms in manganese deposits in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is marokite used for?+

Marokite is used in collector.

Find marokite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.