Medaite is a rare manganese silicate mineral typically found in metamorphic manganese deposits. It is best identified by its distinct pinkish coloration and association with other rare manganese species like inesite, primarily coming from the Liguria region of Italy.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Medaite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this medaite?

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 medaite with a known reference. Medaite sits at Mohs 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. Medaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Medaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside medaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₆V₂Si₆O₁₈(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.55-3.60 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Cherts and Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find medaite

Classic worldwide localities

Val Graveglia, Liguria, Italy
Molinello Mine, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich cherts and hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where medaite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify medaite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, reddish-pink.

Where is medaite found?+

Notable localities include Val Graveglia, Liguria, Italy; Molinello Mine, Italy.

How much is medaite worth?+

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

What rocks look like medaite?+

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

What minerals are found with medaite?+

Medaite commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Quartz, Calcite, Inesite, Ganophyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does medaite form in?+

Medaite typically forms in manganese-rich cherts and hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is medaite used for?+

Medaite is used in collector.

Find medaite on the map

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