Szmikite is a rare manganese sulfate mineral typically found as a secondary crust or efflorescence in oxidized ore deposits. It is known for its delicate, white to pinkish habit and is often associated with other sulfate minerals derived from the weathering of manganese-rich sulfides.

Hardness

1.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareKieserite Group family

Szmikite

Hardness: 1.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this szmikite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch szmikite with a known reference. Szmikite sits at Mohs 1.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Szmikite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Szmikite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pink, reddish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crusts, efflorescences, stalactitic.

Often confused with

Szmikite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Szomolnokite is the harder of the two (Mohs 2.5 vs. 1.5).

Often found alongside szmikite

Minerals reported to co-occur with szmikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: MnSO₄·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 1.5
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: White Pink Reddish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Crusts, Efflorescences, Stalactitic
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find szmikite

Classic worldwide localities

Szomolnok, Slovakia
Bodenmais, Germany
Franklin, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized ore deposits country — that is the host setting where szmikite typically forms. If you start seeing szomolnokite, melanterite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, efflorescences, stalactitic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify szmikite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pink, reddish.

Where is szmikite found?+

Notable localities include Szomolnok, Slovakia; Bodenmais, Germany; Franklin, New Jersey, USA.

How much is szmikite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like szmikite?+

Szmikite is most often confused with Szomolnokite, Epsomite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with szmikite?+

Szmikite commonly co-occurs with Szomolnokite, Melanterite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does szmikite form in?+

Szmikite typically forms in oxidized ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is szmikite used for?+

Szmikite is used in collector.

Find szmikite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.