Manitobaite

Chemical formula: Na₁₆Mn₂+₂₅Al₈(PO₄)₃₀

Manitobaite is an exceptionally rare, pale yellow to colorless sodium, manganese, and aluminum phosphate, discovered in Canada.

## Characteristics Manitobaite is a mineral of exceptional rarity, occurring as small, tabular or bladed crystals, rarely exceeding 1 mm in length. It typically forms rosette-like or radial aggregates. It is a transparent to translucent mineral with a vitreous luster. Its color ranges from pale yellow to almost colorless. ## Physical Properties The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 4. It has a white streak and a density of approximately 3.33 g/cm³. It exhibits perfect cleavage in one direction, and its fracture is uneven. Some specimens may show weak, yellow fluorescence under ultraviolet light. ## History and Name Manitobaite was first described in 2019 by a team of mineralogists, including T. Scott Ercit. Its name comes from the province of Manitoba in Canada, where its only known locality is the Tanco pegmatite at Bernic Lake. The mineral was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) under number 2018-154. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, manitobaite has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of scientific interest and a valuable acquisition for specialized collectors of rare minerals.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Density: 3.33
Cleavage: Perfect on {010}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent to Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Manitobaite is difficult to identify visually without specialized equipment. It is recognized based on its unique chemical composition (Na-Mn-Al phosphate), characteristic habit of tabular crystals forming rosette aggregates, and specific optical and crystallographic properties. Confirmation requires advanced methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) or X-ray microanalysis (EDS/WDS). ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other rare phosphates found in the same environment, such as tancoite or lithiophosphate. Differentiation is based on precise chemical analysis and crystallographic data. Its pale yellow color and habit may resemble some micas, but manitobaite has different cleavage and hardness. ## Crystal Forms Crystals are tabular, flattened parallel to {010} and elongated along [100]. They most often occur as radial or rosette-like aggregates, forming clusters up to 2 mm in diameter.

Geological environment

## Genesis Manitobaite forms in highly differentiated, complex LCT-type (lithium, cesium, tantalum) granitic pegmatites. It is a late-stage crystallization mineral, forming in phosphate-rich zones under low-temperature conditions and high sodium activity. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other rare phosphates. At its type locality, it was found in association with tancoite, lithiophosphate, quartz, albite, and a zinc hydrogen phosphate (IMA2018-153). ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of manitobaite in the world is the Tanco mine, located at Bernic Lake in Manitoba, Canada. This is the type locality for this mineral.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a manitobaite specimen is primarily determined by the richness and size of the crystal aggregates. The most desirable specimens are those with clearly formed, rosette-like clusters of a more intense, yellow color, contrasting with the surrounding rock matrix. The presence of well-defined crystals, even if microscopic, significantly increases the value of the specimen. ## Popular Localities The only source of manitobaite specimens is the Tanco mine in Canada. Material from this locality is extremely difficult to acquire and appears on the collector's market sporadically, mainly through specialized dealers or research institutions.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and delicacy, cleaning should be kept to an absolute minimum. If necessary, a very soft brush can be used to remove loose dust particles. Avoid contact with water and any chemical agents. ## What to Avoid Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, acids, solvents, and detergents should be strictly avoided. The mineral is relatively soft, so it should be protected from scratches and impacts. It should not be exposed to high temperatures. ## Storage Manitobaite specimens should be stored in stable conditions, in a dedicated, padded collector's box, to protect them from mechanical damage and dust. It is recommended to keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)