Melanotekite is a rare lead-iron silicate primarily found in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It typically presents as black, prismatic, submetallic crystals and is most famous for its occurrence in the Långban district of Sweden.
Is this melanotekite?
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 melanotekite with a known reference. Melanotekite sits at Mohs 6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Melanotekite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Melanotekite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Melanotekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Melanotekite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5 vs. 5); streak differs — Melanotekite leaves brown, Kentrolite leaves yellowish-brown; luster reads submetallic on Melanotekite and resinous on Kentrolite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Melanotekite leaves brown, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Melanotekite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
Often found alongside melanotekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with melanotekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Fe₂Si₂O₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 5.73 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese-iron Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail, $300-1500 cabinet
Where rockhounds find melanotekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Värmland, Sweden
- Jakobsberg, Värmland, Sweden
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Kombat mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where melanotekite typically forms. If you start seeing kentrolite, hausmannite, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find melanotekite on the map
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