How do I identify Inesite?

Inesite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Rose-red color, Vitreous, Silky luster, Triclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Inesite?

Inesite typically appears in Rose-red, pink, orange-pink, orange-red-brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Inesite has a hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Inesite

A variety of Minerals

Rare

What is Inesite?

Inesite is an appealing pinkish-brown translucent mineral that is sometimes confused with rhodonite. Its name comes from the Greek word for 'fiber' and refers to the sometimes fibrous appearance of this mineral. Inesite is uncommon to find in hydrothermal conditions often with manganese-rich metamorphic rocks. Its fracture is brittle and its streak is white.

Uses & Applications

Inesite is primarily valued as a mineral specimen for collectors, particularly specimens showing well-formed radiating crystal clusters. It has no significant commercial applications but is appreciated for its attractive pink to red coloration.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.632-1.673
Pleochroism: Moderate
Optical Character: Biaxial positive
Dispersion: 0.019

Discover Values

Rarity

4.4out of 5.0

88%

Popularity

3.1out of 5.0

62%

Beauty

3.9out of 5.0

78%

Cultural Value

3.7out of 5.0

74%

Collection Value

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Inesite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Inesite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Inesite Localities Map

See where Inesite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

The name derives from Greek meaning fibrous, referring to its characteristic needle-like crystal habit. Inesite represents the beauty that can emerge from manganese-rich geological environments.

Geochemistry

Forms through hydrothermal processes in manganese-rich environments. The pink to red color is characteristic of manganese silicate minerals, and inesite typically occurs as radiating clusters of thin bladed crystals.

Key Characteristics

Formation of Inesite

Inesite occurs in hydrothermal replacement deposits of manganese-rich metamorphic rocks and serpentines. It was first described in 1887 at Hilfe Gottes Mine, Oberscheld, Dillenburg, Dillenburg District, Hesse, Germany. Outside of the type locality, there are several notable localities of inesite, such as: Wessels and N'Chwanning Mines, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape, South Africa where Inesite is associated with datolite, pectolite, apophyllite, ruizite, orientite and quartz. Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. Långban, Persberg, Värmland, Sweden. Kawazu Mine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Chubu Region, Honshu Island, Japan Hale Creek Mine, Trinity County, California, USA, where Inesite is associated with Rhodochrosite, bementite, and hausmannite. Fengjishan Mine (Daye Copper Mine), Edong Mining District, Daye County, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province, China.