Parsettensite is a rare manganese phyllosilicate mineral usually found in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It typically appears as reddish-brown, micaceous, or foliated masses that bear a strong visual resemblance to the stilpnomelane group.
Is this parsettensite?
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 parsettensite with a known reference. Parsettensite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parsettensite leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parsettensite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown, orange-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: foliated, micaceous aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Parsettensite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside parsettensite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parsettensite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Na)₄Mn₇Si₁₀O₂₅(OH)₈·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.7-2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Foliated, Micaceous Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese-rich Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find parsettensite
Classic worldwide localities
- Parsettens, Graubünden, Switzerland
- Val d'Err, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where parsettensite typically forms. If you start seeing rhodochrosite, bustamite, friedelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a foliated, micaceous aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parsettensite?+
Where is parsettensite found?+
How much is parsettensite worth?+
What rocks look like parsettensite?+
What minerals are found with parsettensite?+
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Find parsettensite on the map
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