Namansilite is a rare sodium-manganese silicate member of the pyroxene group. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals within metamorphosed manganese ore deposits and is highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this namansilite?
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 namansilite with a known reference. Namansilite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Namansilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Namansilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Namansilite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside namansilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with namansilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaMnSi₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find namansilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kombat Mine, Namibia
- Woods Mine, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese deposits country, the host setting where namansilite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, calcite, bementite 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
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Find namansilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
