Scorticoite is a rare manganese antimony silicate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2019. It was first described from Scortico Mn ore deposit, Fivizzano, Apuan Alps, Massa Carrara, Tuscany, Italy.
Hardness
3.5
Mohs
Luster
Pearly
Transparency
Translucent
Is this scorticoite?
4-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 scorticoite with a known reference. Scorticoite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Scorticoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn₆(Sb☐)(SiO₄)₂O₃(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- hydrothermal veins in limestone
Where rockhounds find scorticoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Scortico, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal veins in limestone. If you start seeing fivizzano, apuan alps, massa carrara in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify scorticoite?+
Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: pearly. Common colors include white.
Where is scorticoite found?+
Notable localities include Scortico, Italy.
Is scorticoite safe to handle?+
Scorticoite contains antimony. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.
What rocks look like scorticoite?+
Scorticoite is most often confused with Hopeite, Parahopeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with scorticoite?+
Scorticoite commonly co-occurs with Fivizzano, Apuan Alps, Massa Carrara, Tuscany, Italy. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does scorticoite form in?+
Where it forms: hydrothermal veins in limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is scorticoite used for?+
Scorticoite is used in collector.
Find scorticoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
