Marsturite is a rare manganese-bearing silicate mineral primarily found in the metamorphosed ore bodies of the Franklin mining district. It typically occurs as prismatic crystals or fibrous aggregates with a distinct pink to brownish-pink coloration that often appears similar to its associated pyroxenoids, rhodonite and bustamite.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyroxenoid Group family

Marsturite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this marsturite?

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 marsturite with a known reference. Marsturite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Marsturite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Marsturite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, brownish-pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates, prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Marsturite and vitreous to pearly on Bustamite.

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Often found alongside marsturite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaMn₃Si₅O₁₅
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 3.52 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Brownish-pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Fibrous Aggregates, Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find marsturite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin Mine, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits country, the host setting where marsturite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous aggregates, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify marsturite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, brownish-pink.

Where is marsturite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin Mine, New Jersey, USA.

How much is marsturite worth?+

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

What rocks look like marsturite?+

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

What minerals are found with marsturite?+

Marsturite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinite, Zincite, Andradite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does marsturite form in?+

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

What is marsturite used for?+

Marsturite is used in collector.

Find marsturite on the map

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