Parwelite is an exceptionally rare manganese-antimony-arsenic mineral known primarily from the Långban iron and manganese mines in Sweden. It typically occurs as reddish-brown, granular masses and is a prized target for advanced collectors of complex silicate minerals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Parwelite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this parwelite?

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 parwelite with a known reference. Parwelite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parwelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parwelite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brownish-red, orange-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside parwelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn,Mg)₁₀Sb₂As₂Si₂O₂₀
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Brownish-red Orange-red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find parwelite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country, the host setting where parwelite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, hausmannite, hedyphane in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parwelite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brownish-red, orange-red.

Where is parwelite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is parwelite worth?+

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

Is parwelite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and antimony; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like parwelite?+

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

What minerals are found with parwelite?+

Parwelite commonly co-occurs with braunite, hausmannite, hedyphane. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parwelite form in?+

Parwelite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parwelite used for?+

Parwelite is used in collector.

Find parwelite on the map

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