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 — that is 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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