Caryopilite
A variety of Minerals

What is Caryopilite?
Caryopilite is reddish-brown to tan in color naturally; in thin sections, it is light brown to yellow. The mineral occurs as tabular pseudohexagonal crystals, commonly as rosettes, up to 4 millimeters (0.16 in). It can also be stalactitic, reniform with a concentrically radiating structure, or have massive habit. The mineral forms as a product of metamorphism in manganese-bearing minerals. Caryopilite has been found in association with brandtite, calcite, gonyerite, jacobsite, lead, manganoan calcite, rhodonite, sarkinite, tirodite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Caryopilite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Caryopilite Localities Map
See where Caryopilite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Caryopilite
Caryopilite consists of triangular islands formed by tetrahedra rings coordinated with sheets containing octahedrally coordinated manganese. The crystal structure shows some short-range order, but linkages between islands are fully disordered. Thus, no unit cell can truly be defined.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Brown, reddish-brown, tan
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3 - 3.5
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mn2+3Si2O5(OH)4 Brusnitsyn et al. (2000) suggest the formula Mn5(Si2O5)2(OH)6.
- Elements
- H, Mn, O, Si
Also Known As

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Caryopilite FAQs
How do I identify Caryopilite?
Caryopilite can be identified by its hardness of 3 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Caryopilite?
Caryopilite typically appears in Brown, reddish-brown, tan. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Caryopilite?
Caryopilite has a hardness of 3 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of caryopilite of Caryopilite?
Caryopilite consists of triangular islands formed by tetrahedra rings coordinated with sheets containing octahedrally coordinated manganese. The crystal structure shows some short-range order, but linkages between islands are fully disordered. Thus, no unit cell can truly be defined.


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