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 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mavlyanovite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mavlyanovite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. 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
- 4
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Deposits
- Typical price
- very expensive due to scarcity
Where rockhounds find mavlyanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary deposits country — that is the host setting where mavlyanovite typically forms. If you start seeing moissanite, native iron, kamacite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mavlyanovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
