Organovaite-Mn is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found as small, distinct prismatic crystals. It is primarily identified within the hyper-alkaline environments of the Khibiny and Lovozero massifs in Russia. Collectors prize it for its specific manganese content which gives it a distinct coloration compared to other group members.
Is this organovaite-mn?
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 organovaite-mn with a known reference. Organovaite-Mn sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: rose brown, pink, yellow brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, pseudomorphous.
Often confused with
Organovaite-Mn vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside organovaite-mn
Minerals reported to co-occur with organovaite-mn. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂MnNb₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂O₄·5-7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, pseudomorphous
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In alkaline pegmatite
Where rockhounds find organovaite-mn
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Karnasurt (type locality) and Mount Flora, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In alkaline pegmatite. If you start seeing microcline, albite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, pseudomorphous. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify organovaite-mn?+
Where is organovaite-mn found?+
What rocks look like organovaite-mn?+
What minerals are found with organovaite-mn?+
What kind of rock does organovaite-mn form in?+
What is organovaite-mn used for?+
Find organovaite-mn on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
