How do I identify Manganvesuvianite?

Manganvesuvianite can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Deep red-brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Manganvesuvianite?

Manganvesuvianite typically appears in Deep red-brown, red, nearly black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Manganvesuvianite?

Manganvesuvianite has a hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Manganvesuvianite

A variety of Minerals

What is Manganvesuvianite?

Manganvesuvianite is a rare mineral with formula Ca19Mn(Al,Mn,Fe)10(Mg,Mn)2(Si2O7)4(SiO4)10O(OH)9. The mineral is red to nearly black in color. Discovered in South Africa and described in 2002, it was so named for the prevalence of manganese in its composition and its relation to vesuvianite.

Manganvesuvianite Market Value Calculator

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

Manganvesuvianite Localities Map

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

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Deep red-brown, red, nearly black
Hardness (Mohs): 6 - 7
Density: 3.404 g/cm³
Streak: white

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula: Ca19Mn3+Al4(Al6Mg2)(☐4)☐[Si2O7]4[(SiO4)10]O(OH)9 The formula is a partial simplification of the full structural formula. The large (VII-IX)-coordinated (X4)2(X3)8(X2)8(X1) sites are here combined (e.g. Ca19) and are typically filled with Ca, although other large cations such as the REE may be present. The square-pyramidal Y1 site can host a variety of M2+ and M3+ ions and is the basis for the distinction of several species. The VI-coordinated Y2 site typically is filled with Al, whereas the also VI-coordinated Y3 site may contain Al, Mg, and other cations of similar charge and size. The tetrahedral T1 site is typically vacant but may contain B (less commonly Al); the trigonal T2 site is also typically vacant but may also contain B. Some of the (SiO4) may be replaced by (H4O4), akin to the Si4+ ↔︎ 4H+ hydrogarnet substitution. Among the oxygen that are not part of the silica tetrahedra, there are eight "O11" that typically occur as OH, two "O10" that are typically O & OH or OH & OH (the latter arrangement notably when Y1 is an M2+ cation). There may also be up to three "O12" that in most vesuvianite-group minerals are absent (and are not included here), but may be present particularly when T1 is occupied. Note that although the IMA formula denotes the end-member Y3 site filling as (Al6Mg2), the composition of the most Mn-rich sample reported in Armbruster et al., 2002 (sample NC-14-38) more closely conforms to a Y3 site filling of (Mn3+4Al2Mn2+2).
Elements: Al, Ca, H, Mg, Mn, O, Si

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