Villyaellenite is a rare manganese arsenate mineral that typically forms delicate, bladed crystal clusters or radial sprays. It is most sought after by advanced collectors for its distinct pink hue and rarity, frequently found in manganese-rich metamorphic deposits.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareArsenate Group family

Villyaellenite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this villyaellenite?

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 villyaellenite with a known reference. Villyaellenite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Villyaellenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Villyaellenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, pale pink, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Villyaellenite leaves white, Rosasite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Villyaellenite and pearly on Rosasite.

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Often found alongside villyaellenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Pale Pink Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find villyaellenite

Classic worldwide localities

St. Marcel-Praborna mine, Aosta Valley, Italy
Rudabanya, Hungary
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where villyaellenite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, hausmannite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify villyaellenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, pale pink, colorless.

Where is villyaellenite found?+

Notable localities include St. Marcel-Praborna mine, Aosta Valley, Italy; Rudabanya, Hungary; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA.

How much is villyaellenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is villyaellenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid creating dust when cleaning. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like villyaellenite?+

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

What minerals are found with villyaellenite?+

Villyaellenite commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Hausmannite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does villyaellenite form in?+

Villyaellenite typically forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is villyaellenite used for?+

Villyaellenite is used in collector.

Find villyaellenite on the map

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