Manganokukisvumite is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found as small, colorless prismatic crystals in alkaline pegmatites. It is primarily a collector's species, valued for its complex chemistry and limited global distribution in the Khibiny Massif of Russia.
Is this manganokukisvumite?
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 manganokukisvumite with a known reference. Manganokukisvumite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular.
Often confused with
Manganokukisvumite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside manganokukisvumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganokukisvumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆MnTi₄Si₈O₂₈(H₂O)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.86 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late mineral formed by hydrothermal dissolution of titanium-bearing minerals in an albite-rich syenite breccia in an intrusive alkaline complex
Where rockhounds find manganokukisvumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Rouville County, Quebec, Canada, Russia
- Mount Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late mineral formed by hydrothermal dissolution of titanium-bearing minerals in an albite-rich syenite breccia in an intrusive alkaline complex. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganokukisvumite?+
Where is manganokukisvumite found?+
What rocks look like manganokukisvumite?+
What minerals are found with manganokukisvumite?+
What kind of rock does manganokukisvumite form in?+
What is manganokukisvumite used for?+
Find manganokukisvumite on the map
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