Mozartite is a rare manganese silicate mineral named after the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is primarily found as small, distinct prismatic crystals in manganese-rich deposits in Italy, making it a sought-after prize for mineral collectors specializing in rare species.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

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Mozartite

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mozartite?

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 mozartite with a known reference. Mozartite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mozartite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mozartite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, brown, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Piemontite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mozartite leaves white, Piemontite leaves reddish-brown.

Often found alongside mozartite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMn³⁺SiO₄(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 3.55-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brown Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find mozartite

Classic worldwide localities

Liguria, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where mozartite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mozartite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, brown, orange.

Where is mozartite found?+

Notable localities include Liguria, Italy.

How much is mozartite worth?+

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

What rocks look like mozartite?+

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

What minerals are found with mozartite?+

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

What kind of rock does mozartite form in?+

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

What is mozartite used for?+

Mozartite is used in collector.

Find mozartite on the map

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