Nsutite is a manganese oxide mineral typically found as massive, botryoidal, or stalactitic crusts in manganese deposits. It is best identified by its distinctively hard, submetallic dark gray appearance and its frequent association with other manganese minerals like pyrolusite. Collectors primarily seek out specimens from its type locality in Nsuta, Ghana.
Is this nsutite?
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 nsutite with a known reference. Nsutite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nsutite leaves a dark brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nsutite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, botryoidal, colloform.
Often confused with
Nsutite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nsutite leaves dark brown, Pyrolusite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Nsutite and metallic on Pyrolusite.
How to tell apart: Nsutite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 4); streak differs — Nsutite leaves dark brown, Manganite leaves dark reddish-brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nsutite leaves dark brown, Romanèchite leaves shiny brownish black; luster reads submetallic on Nsutite and submetallic to dull on Romanèchite.
Often found alongside nsutite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nsutite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn⁴⁺,Mn²⁺)(O,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 4.15-4.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Dark Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Botryoidal, Colloform
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Manganese
- Host rock
- Manganese Deposits, Sedimentary Manganese Oxide Ore Bodies
- Typical price
- $10-60 for small mineral specimens
Where rockhounds find nsutite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nsuta, Ghana
- Groote Eylandt, Australia
- Deming, New Mexico, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese deposits, sedimentary manganese oxide ore bodies country — that is the host setting where nsutite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrolusite, hematite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, botryoidal, colloform habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nsutite on the map
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