Palenzonaite is a rare vanadate member of the garnet group typically occurring as small orange dodecahedral crystals. It is primarily known from the manganese mines of the Val Graveglia region in Italy where it forms in association with other manganese minerals. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and relative scarcity.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Palenzonaite

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this palenzonaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch palenzonaite with a known reference. Palenzonaite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Palenzonaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Palenzonaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, reddish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Palenzonaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Palenzonaite leaves white, Braunite leaves black; luster reads vitreous on Palenzonaite and submetallic on Braunite.

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Often found alongside palenzonaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with palenzonaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ca₂Mn₃(VO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Reddish-orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find palenzonaite

Classic worldwide localities

Molinello Mine, Italy
Val Graveglia, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where palenzonaite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, hausmannite, braunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify palenzonaite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include orange, reddish-orange.

Where is palenzonaite found?+

Notable localities include Molinello Mine, Italy; Val Graveglia, Italy.

How much is palenzonaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like palenzonaite?+

Palenzonaite is most often confused with Garnet, Braunite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with palenzonaite?+

Palenzonaite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Hausmannite, Braunite, Rhodochrosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does palenzonaite form in?+

Palenzonaite typically forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is palenzonaite used for?+

Palenzonaite is used in collector.

Find palenzonaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.