Oxo-mangani-leakeite is an extremely rare member of the amphibole supergroup, specifically a lithium-bearing sodic amphibole found in manganese-rich environments. It typically occurs as small, dark blue to violet prismatic crystals and is primarily a target for advanced mineral collectors. It is currently known from very few global localities, most notably the Kombat Mine in Namibia.
Is this oxo-mangani-leakeite?
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 oxo-mangani-leakeite with a known reference. Oxo-mangani-leakeite 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. Oxo-mangani-leakeite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oxo-mangani-leakeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark blue, dark violet.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Oxo-mangani-leakeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oxo-mangani-leakeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oxo-mangani-leakeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaNa₂(Mg₂Mn³⁺₂Li)Si₈O₂₂(O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find oxo-mangani-leakeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kombat Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where oxo-mangani-leakeite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, barite 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
How do you identify oxo-mangani-leakeite?+
Where is oxo-mangani-leakeite found?+
How much is oxo-mangani-leakeite worth?+
What rocks look like oxo-mangani-leakeite?+
What minerals are found with oxo-mangani-leakeite?+
What kind of rock does oxo-mangani-leakeite form in?+
What is oxo-mangani-leakeite used for?+
Find oxo-mangani-leakeite on the map
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