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, 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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