Pumpellyite-(Mn²⁺) is a rare member of the pumpellyite group, typically occurring in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. Collectors should look for its characteristic brownish-red radiating fibrous or needle-like crystal aggregates found in association with other manganese minerals.
Is this pumpellyite-(mn2+)?
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 pumpellyite-(mn2+) with a known reference. Pumpellyite-(Mn2+) 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. Pumpellyite-(Mn2+) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pumpellyite-(Mn2+) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish red, brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates, radiating needles, radial prismatic groups.
Often confused with
Pumpellyite-(Mn2+) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pumpellyite-(mn2+)
Minerals reported to co-occur with pumpellyite-(mn2+). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Mn²⁺Al₂(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)(OH)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.37-3.41 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous Aggregates, Radiating Needles, Radial Prismatic Groups
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese-rich Rocks, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on quality and size
Where rockhounds find pumpellyite-(mn2+)
Classic worldwide localities
- Val Graveglia, Liguria, Italy
- Kaso Mine, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese-rich rocks, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where pumpellyite-(mn2+) typically forms. If you start seeing rhodochrosite, braunite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous aggregates, radiating needles, radial prismatic groups habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pumpellyite-(mn2+)?+
Where is pumpellyite-(mn2+) found?+
How much is pumpellyite-(mn2+) worth?+
What rocks look like pumpellyite-(mn2+)?+
What minerals are found with pumpellyite-(mn2+)?+
What kind of rock does pumpellyite-(mn2+) form in?+
What is pumpellyite-(mn2+) used for?+
Find pumpellyite-(mn2+) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
