Turtmannite is a rare lead-manganese arsenite mineral typically found in metamorphic ore deposits. It is best identified in the field by its distinct reddish-brown to yellow hues and association with other rare arsenite minerals in small, crystallized vein pockets.
Is this turtmannite?
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 turtmannite with a known reference. Turtmannite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Turtmannite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Turtmannite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Turtmannite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Turtmannite leaves yellowish-white, Tilasite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Turtmannite leaves yellowish-white, Magnussonite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Turtmannite and vitreous to adamantine on Magnussonite.
Often found alongside turtmannite
Minerals reported to co-occur with turtmannite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₁₃Mn₆(AsO₃)₁₀(OH)₁₀Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.15-4.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find turtmannite
Classic worldwide localities
- Turtmanntal, Switzerland
- Långban, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where turtmannite typically forms. If you start seeing barite, hematite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find turtmannite on the map
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