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.

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]

Nelenite Market Value Calculator

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

Nelenite Localities Map

See where Nelenite 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

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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