Winchite is a rare member of the amphibole group, typically found in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It is most recognized for its characteristic lavender to blue-violet color, occurring as prismatic crystals or fibrous aggregates.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAmphibole Group family

Winchite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this winchite?

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 winchite with a known reference. Winchite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Winchite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Winchite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, blue, violet, lavender.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Winchite and vitreous to silky on Actinolite.

Often found alongside winchite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaMg₄(Si₈O₂₂)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: White Blue Violet Lavender
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Fibrous, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect Prismatic
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Manganese-rich Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find winchite

Classic worldwide localities

Kajlidongri Mine, India
Grenville Province, Canada
Långban, Sweden
Tanzania

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically manganese-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where winchite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, rhodonite, braunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify winchite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, blue, violet, lavender.

Where is winchite found?+

Notable localities include Kajlidongri Mine, India; Grenville Province, Canada; Långban, Sweden; Tanzania.

How much is winchite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like winchite?+

Winchite is most often confused with Tremolite, Actinolite, Glaucophane. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with winchite?+

Winchite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Rhodonite, Braunite, Tirodite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does winchite form in?+

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

What is winchite used for?+

Winchite is used in collector.

Find winchite on the map

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