Stanĕkite is a rare iron-manganese phosphate mineral typically found as a secondary alteration product in granite pegmatites. It is often identified by its distinct black to dark brown massive habit and its association with other phosphate minerals in complex zones.
Is this stanĕkite?
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 stanĕkite with a known reference. Stanĕkite 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. Stanĕkite leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Stanĕkite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, irregular aggregates.
Often confused with
Stanĕkite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside stanĕkite
Minerals reported to co-occur with stanĕkite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe³⁺Mn²⁺(PO₄)O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Irregular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find stanĕkite
Classic worldwide localities
- Czech Republic
- France
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where stanĕkite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, heterosite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, irregular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find stanĕkite on the map
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