Manganite
A variety of Minerals
What is Manganite?
The archaeological record suggests that Neanderthals used manganite to start fires. It has long been used as a source of manganese, although other sources of ore are more popular today. Crystals of this mineral are highly sought-after by serious collectors, although they aren't as showy as other mineral specimens.
Uses & Applications
As the name suggests, manganite is an important ore of Manganese. In prehistoric times, manganite was used as a pigment by humans and as a way to start fires by Neanderthals. Some specimens make for highly-prized minerals for collectors.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Manganite 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.
Manganite Localities Map
See where Manganite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Manganite
Manganite occurs with other manganese oxides in deposits formed by circulating meteoric water in the weathering environment in clay deposits and laterites. It forms by low temperature hydrothermal action in veins in association with calcite, barite, and siderite. Often associated with pyrolusite, braunite, hausmannite and goethite. Manganite occurs in specimens exhibiting good crystal form at Ilfeld in the Harz Mountains of Germany, where the mineral occurs with calcite and barite in veins traversing porphyry. Crystals have also been found at Ilmenau in Thuringia, Neukirch near Sélestat in Alsace (newkirkite), Granam near Towie in Aberdeenshire, and in Upton Pyne near Exeter, UK and Negaunee, Michigan, United States, and in the Pilbara of Western Australia. Good crystals have also been found at Atikokan, Ontario and Nova Scotia, Canada. As an ore of manganese it is much less abundant than pyrolusite or psilomelane. Although described with various other names as early as 1772, the name manganite was first applied in a publication by W. Haidinger in 1827.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- gray-black, black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 4.38 g/cm³
- Streak
- Reddish brown to black
- Luster
- Resinous, Dull, Sub-metallic
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mn3+O(OH)
- Elements
- H, Mn, O
Also Known As
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Manganite FAQs
How do I identify Manganite?
Manganite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, gray-black color, Resinous, Dull, Sub-metallic luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Manganite?
Manganite typically appears in gray-black, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Manganite?
Manganite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of manganite of Manganite?
Manganite occurs with other manganese oxides in deposits formed by circulating meteoric water in the weathering environment in clay deposits and laterites. It forms by low temperature hydrothermal action in veins in association with calcite, barite, and siderite. Often associated with pyrolusite, braunite, hausmannite and goethite. Manganite occurs in specimens exhibiting good crystal form at Ilfeld in the Harz Mountains of Germany, where the mineral occurs with calcite and barite in veins traversing porphyry. Crystals have also been found at Ilmenau in Thuringia, Neukirch near Sélestat in Alsace (newkirkite), Granam near Towie in Aberdeenshire, and in Upton Pyne near Exeter, UK and Negaunee, Michigan, United States, and in the Pilbara of Western Australia. Good crystals have also been found at Atikokan, Ontario and Nova Scotia, Canada. As an ore of manganese it is much less abundant than pyrolusite or psilomelane. Although described with various other names as early as 1772, the name manganite was first applied in a publication by W. Haidinger in 1827.
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