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 — Turtmannite leaves yellowish-white, Tilasite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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