Ingersonite is a rare calcium-antimony mineral primarily found in the metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits of Langban, Sweden. It typically presents as small, tabular, colorless to white crystals that are often difficult to distinguish from associated carbonate minerals without chemical testing.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ingersonite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this ingersonite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Calcite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Ingersonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3).

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Ingersonite and dull on Stibiconite.

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Often found alongside ingersonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Sb₅O₁₄
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese-rich Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ingersonite

Classic worldwide localities

Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify ingersonite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is ingersonite found?+

Notable localities include Langban, Sweden.

How much is ingersonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ingersonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ingersonite?+

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

What minerals are found with ingersonite?+

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

What kind of rock does ingersonite form in?+

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

What is ingersonite used for?+

Ingersonite is used in collector.

Find ingersonite on the map

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