Schallerite is an uncommon manganese arsenosilicate primarily found in the unique zinc-manganese orebodies of New Jersey. It typically occurs as brownish, tabular crystals or massive aggregates within metamorphic limestone environments.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareFriedelite Group family

Schallerite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this schallerite?

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 schallerite with a known reference. Schallerite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schallerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schallerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Schallerite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Schallerite leaves white, Mcgovernite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Schallerite and pearly on Mcgovernite.

Compare →

Often found alongside schallerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn,Fe)₈Si₆As₂O₂₀(OH,Cl)₁₀
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellowish-brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Stratiform Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find schallerite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin Mine, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill Mine, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed stratiform zinc ore deposits country, the host setting where schallerite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schallerite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.

Where is schallerite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin Mine, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill Mine, New Jersey, USA.

How much is schallerite 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 schallerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schallerite?+

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

What minerals are found with schallerite?+

Schallerite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinite, Zincite, Friedelite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schallerite form in?+

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

What is schallerite used for?+

Schallerite is used in collector.

Find schallerite on the map

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