Nelenite
A variety of Minerals
What is Nelenite?
Nelenite is a rare manganese iron phyllosilicate arsenate mineral found in Franklin Furnace, New Jersey. Its formula is (Mn,Fe)16As3Si12O36(OH)17 or (Mn,Fe)16(Si12O30)(OH)14[As3O6(OH)3]
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Nelenite 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.
Nelenite Localities Map
See where Nelenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Nelenite
It was first describe in 1984 for an occurrence in the Trotter Mine, Franklin Mining District, Sussex County, New Jersey. It was named for Joseph A. Nelen of the Smithsonian Institution. It has also been reported from Montgomery County, Virginia and the Suceava district of Romania. At the type locality in New Jersey it occurs associated with actinolite, calcite, willemite, tirodite, rhodonite, apatite, lennilenapeite, stilpnomelane, microcline and talc.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Light to medium Brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5
- Density
- 3.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light brown
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Mn,Fe)16(Si12O30)(OH)14[As3+3O6(OH)3] In the type material, Fe substitutes for Mn up to 5.8 of the 16 octahedrally coordinated cations.
- Elements
- As, Fe, H, Mn, O, Si
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Nelenite FAQs
How do I identify Nelenite?
Nelenite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, Light to medium Brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Nelenite?
Nelenite typically appears in Light to medium Brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Nelenite?
Nelenite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of nelenite of Nelenite?
It was first describe in 1984 for an occurrence in the Trotter Mine, Franklin Mining District, Sussex County, New Jersey. It was named for Joseph A. Nelen of the Smithsonian Institution. It has also been reported from Montgomery County, Virginia and the Suceava district of Romania. At the type locality in New Jersey it occurs associated with actinolite, calcite, willemite, tirodite, rhodonite, apatite, lennilenapeite, stilpnomelane, microcline and talc.
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