Mengeite is a very rare mineral belonging to the sapphirine group, primarily found in metamorphosed rocks. Collectors typically seek it in the form of dark, prismatic crystals embedded within aluminous silicate matrices, often occurring alongside sapphirine and kornerupine.

Hardness

7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSapphirine Group family

Mengeite

Hardness: 7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this mengeite?

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 mengeite with a known reference. Mengeite sits at Mohs 7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mengeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mengeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mengeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe,Al)₈(Si,Al,Be)₆O₂₀
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mengeite

Classic worldwide localities

Ilmen Mountains, Russia
Fiskenæsset, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where mengeite typically forms. If you start seeing sapphirine, kornerupine, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mengeite?+

Mohs hardness is 7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is mengeite found?+

Notable localities include Ilmen Mountains, Russia; Fiskenæsset, Greenland.

How much is mengeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like mengeite?+

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

What minerals are found with mengeite?+

Mengeite commonly co-occurs with Sapphirine, Kornerupine, Phlogopite, Spinel. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mengeite form in?+

Mengeite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mengeite used for?+

Mengeite is used in collector.

Find mengeite on the map

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