Rambergite is a rare polymorph of manganese sulfide, occurring primarily in metamorphic manganese deposits. Collectors typically find it as small, pinkish-brown platy crystals or granular masses associated with other manganese minerals.
Is this rambergite?
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 rambergite with a known reference. Rambergite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rambergite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rambergite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Rambergite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rambergite leaves brown, Alabandite leaves dark green to olive-green; luster reads vitreous on Rambergite and submetallic to dull on Alabandite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rambergite leaves brown, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads vitreous on Rambergite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.
Often found alongside rambergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rambergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnS
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.27 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
Where rockhounds find rambergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kallhäll, Sweden
- Wessels Mine, South Africa
- N'Chwaning Mines, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country, the host setting where rambergite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, bementite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rambergite?+
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What rocks look like rambergite?+
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Find rambergite on the map
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