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 — that is 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.
