Noelbensonite is a rare manganese oxide mineral that typically occurs as small, black to dark brown platy crystals or granular masses. It is primarily found in high-grade metamorphic manganese deposits, most notably in the Långban mining district of Sweden. Collectors prize it for its scarcity and its membership in the complex group of manganese-bearing oxide minerals.
Is this noelbensonite?
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 noelbensonite with a known reference. Noelbensonite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Noelbensonite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Noelbensonite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy, massive.
Often confused with
Noelbensonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside noelbensonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with noelbensonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺Mn³⁺₂O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find noelbensonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Filipstad, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where noelbensonite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify noelbensonite?+
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Find noelbensonite on the map
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