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.
Is this schallerite?
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 schallerite with a known reference. Schallerite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schallerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schallerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- 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 — that is 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?+
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Find schallerite on the map
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