Falottaite is a rare manganese oxide that forms colorless well-formed ship-like crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2013. It was first described from the abandoned manganese mines of Falotta, Oberhalbstein region, Canton Grisons, Switzerland.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareStrunz Group family

Falottaite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this falottaite?

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 falottaite with a known reference. Falottaite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Falottaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Falottaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: well-formed ship-like crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Zektzerite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 2.5).

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Often found alongside falottaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MnC₂O₄·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 1.924 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Well-formed Ship-like Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganiferous Quartzite

Where rockhounds find falottaite

Classic worldwide localities

Falotta, Switzerland
Val d'Err, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganiferous quartzite country, the host setting where falottaite typically forms. If you start seeing rhodonite, braunite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a well-formed ship-like crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify falottaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is falottaite found?+

Notable localities include Falotta, Switzerland; Val d'Err, Switzerland.

What rocks look like falottaite?+

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

What minerals are found with falottaite?+

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

What kind of rock does falottaite form in?+

Falottaite typically forms in manganiferous quartzite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is falottaite used for?+

Falottaite is used in collector.

Find falottaite on the map

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