Sidorenkite is a rare sodium manganese carbonate-phosphate found primarily in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. It is noted for its delicate pinkish coloration and association with a wide suite of rare minerals in pegmatite pockets, particularly at the famous Mont Saint-Hilaire site.
Is this sidorenkite?
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 sidorenkite with a known reference. Sidorenkite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sidorenkite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sidorenkite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, yellowish-white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Sidorenkite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sidorenkite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sidorenkite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Mn(PO₄)(CO₃)
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites, Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find sidorenkite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Narssârssuk, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites, nepheline syenites country, the host setting where sidorenkite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline 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
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Find sidorenkite on the map
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