Manganosegelerite is a rare phosphate mineral found in the secondary zones of complex granite pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, delicate bladed or prismatic crystals that can form thin crusts or radial aggregates, most notably associated with the Tip Top Mine in South Dakota.
Is this manganosegelerite?
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 manganosegelerite with a known reference. Manganosegelerite 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. Manganosegelerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Manganosegelerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, pinkish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed to prismatic crystals, often as crusts or radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Manganosegelerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganosegelerite leaves yellow, Segelerite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganosegelerite leaves yellow, Overite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Manganosegelerite leaves yellow, Montgomeryite leaves white.
Often found alongside manganosegelerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with manganosegelerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn²⁺(Fe³⁺,Al)(PO₄)₂(OH)·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Crusts or Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Imperfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Granite Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find manganosegelerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Vasin-Myl'k, Voron'i massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites country, the host setting where manganosegelerite typically forms. If you start seeing fairfieldite, rockbridgeite, leucophosphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed to prismatic crystals, often as crusts or radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify manganosegelerite?+
Where is manganosegelerite found?+
What rocks look like manganosegelerite?+
What minerals are found with manganosegelerite?+
What kind of rock does manganosegelerite form in?+
What is manganosegelerite used for?+
Find manganosegelerite on the map
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