Pyrosmalite-(Mn) is a rare phyllosilicate known for its distinct hexagonal, pearly-lustered plates. It is typically found in contact-metamorphosed manganese-rich ore bodies and is highly valued by mineral collectors for its unique crystal structure and localized occurrences.
Is this pyrosmalite-(mn)?
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 pyrosmalite-(mn) with a known reference. Pyrosmalite-(Mn) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pyrosmalite-(Mn) leaves a pale yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pyrosmalite-(Mn) typically shows a pearly to vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, brownish-red, yellowish-brown, greenish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, often in hexagonal plates or massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Pyrosmalite-(Mn) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pyrosmalite-(Mn) leaves pale yellowish-brown, Stilpnomelane leaves yellowish-brown to greenish-black; luster reads pearly to vitreous on Pyrosmalite-(Mn) and pearly on Stilpnomelane.
How to tell apart: Pyrosmalite-(Mn) is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs — Pyrosmalite-(Mn) leaves pale yellowish-brown, Biotite leaves white; luster reads pearly to vitreous on Pyrosmalite-(Mn) and pearly on Biotite.
How to tell apart: Pyrosmalite-(Mn) is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs — Pyrosmalite-(Mn) leaves pale yellowish-brown, Phlogopite leaves white; luster reads pearly to vitreous on Pyrosmalite-(Mn) and pearly on Phlogopite.
Often found alongside pyrosmalite-(mn)
Minerals reported to co-occur with pyrosmalite-(mn). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Fe)₈Si₆O₁₅(OH,Cl)₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Pearly to Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often in Hexagonal Plates or Massive Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find pyrosmalite-(mn)
Classic worldwide localities
- Nordmark, Sweden
- Persberg, Sweden
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where pyrosmalite-(mn) typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, andradite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often in hexagonal plates or massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pyrosmalite-(mn)?+
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What rocks look like pyrosmalite-(mn)?+
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Find pyrosmalite-(mn) on the map
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