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.
Is this medaite?
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 medaite with a known reference. Medaite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: subadamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, granular.
Often confused with
Medaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Medaite leaves yellow white, Inesite leaves white; luster reads subadamantine on Medaite and vitreous to silky on Inesite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Medaite leaves yellow white, Rhodonite leaves white; luster reads subadamantine on Medaite and vitreous, somewhat pearly on cleavages on Rhodonite.
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
- Mn₆VSi₅O₁₈(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.70 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow white
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, granular
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed at low temperature and low H2O fugacity in veinlets cutting manganese ores
Where rockhounds find medaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Molinello manganese mine, near Chiavari, Val Graveglia, Liguria, Italy
- Fianel mine, Val Ferrera, Graubünden, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed at low temperature and low H2O fugacity in veinlets cutting manganese ores. If you start seeing tiragalloite, braunite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify medaite?+
Where is medaite found?+
Is medaite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like medaite?+
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Find medaite on the map
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