Mavlyanovite is an extremely rare manganese silicide mineral first discovered in the heavy mineral concentrates of the Kyzylkum Desert. It typically appears as small, irregular metallic grains and is only known from a few select localities, making it a highly sought-after specimen for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this mavlyanovite?
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 mavlyanovite with a known reference. Mavlyanovite sits at Mohs ~7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: dark gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often found alongside mavlyanovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mavlyanovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn₅Si₃
- Mohs hardness
- ~7
- Density
- 6.06 g/cm³
- Streak
- Dark gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular grains
- Cleavage
- Near perfect {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In volcanic glass in a diamond-bearing lamproite diatreme, presumably of high temperature and pressure origin
Where rockhounds find mavlyanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Upper reaches of the Koshmansay river, Chatkal ridge, Uzbekistan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In volcanic glass in a diamond-bearing lamproite diatreme, presumably of high temperature and pressure origin. If you start seeing suessite, native iron, moissanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mavlyanovite?+
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What minerals are found with mavlyanovite?+
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Find mavlyanovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
