Wermlandite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found as small, thin, yellow-to-brownish platy crystals. It is primarily known from the historic manganese mines of Långban, Sweden, where it forms in the metamorphic mineral assemblages. Collectors should look for its characteristic pearly luster and perfect basal cleavage, though it is often found as tiny inclusions or crusts on other manganese-bearing minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Supergroup family

Wermlandite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this wermlandite?

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 wermlandite with a known reference. Wermlandite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wermlandite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wermlandite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside wermlandite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: [Mg₇(Al,Fe³⁺)₂(OH)₁₈][Ca(H₂O)₆(SO₄)₂]
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.23 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find wermlandite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Jakobsberg, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where wermlandite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, barite, hausmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wermlandite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is wermlandite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden; Jakobsberg, Sweden.

How much is wermlandite 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.

What rocks look like wermlandite?+

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

What minerals are found with wermlandite?+

Wermlandite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Barite, Hausmannite, Manganosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wermlandite form in?+

Wermlandite typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wermlandite used for?+

Wermlandite is used in collector.

Find wermlandite on the map

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