Whiteite-(CaMnMn) is a rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, translucent brown tabular crystals in complex granite pegmatites. It is often identified by its association with secondary phosphate assemblages and requires microscopic examination for positive field identification due to its similarity to other jahnsite-group minerals.
Is this whiteite-(camnmn)?
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 whiteite-(camnmn) with a known reference. Whiteite-(CaMnMn) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Whiteite-(CaMnMn) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Whiteite-(CaMnMn) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, tan.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating sprays or clusters.
Often confused with
Whiteite-(CaMnMn) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside whiteite-(camnmn)
Minerals reported to co-occur with whiteite-(camnmn). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn²⁺Mg₂Al₂ (PO₄)₄(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Sometimes in Radiating Sprays or Clusters
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find whiteite-(camnmn)
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Chief mine, South Dakota
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota
- Palermo mine, New Hampshire
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where whiteite-(camnmn) typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, apatite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating sprays or clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify whiteite-(camnmn)?+
Where is whiteite-(camnmn) found?+
How much is whiteite-(camnmn) worth?+
What rocks look like whiteite-(camnmn)?+
What minerals are found with whiteite-(camnmn)?+
What kind of rock does whiteite-(camnmn) form in?+
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Find whiteite-(camnmn) on the map
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