$215Median
1Sold (12 mo)
$215Last sale
Braunite specimens for sale
17 for sale · $250–$4,500 USD
14 in the gallery
Braunite is a manganese silicate mineral that forms in monoclinic crystals and compact, metallic-luster masses. It typically presents a brown to dark brown color, with a metallic to sub-metallic shine and prismatic, elongated crystal habits that can create striking, blocky aggregates. Crystals and masses often occur intergrown with other manganese oxides or silicates, sometimes displaying a characteristic glassy to sub-vitreous surface and a satin-like luster when weathered.
- Formula
- Mn2+Mn3+6SiO12
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Nesosilicate, braunite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- tetragonal
- Mohs hardness
- 6–6.5
- Specific gravity
- 4.7–4.83
- Luster
- submetallic, dull
- Transparency
- opaque
- Color
- black, gray, brown
- Streak
- black, brown
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- pyramidal, prismatic, granular, massive
Buy Braunite specimens
View all 17Where Braunite is found
Top localities
- N'Chwaning Mines1 specimen
- Wessels Mine1 specimen
About Braunite
Notable localities include classic South African and Indian occurrences, where braunite can form in hydrothermal veins and contact metamorphic zones, as well as European deposits in Germany and Italy that yield dense, coarse-grained specimens. Specimens from Sweden and other producing regions contribute to the mineral’s appeal for collectors seeking larger, well-formed aggregates or complex intergrowths with other manganese minerals. The mineral is sought for its rich color, crisp crystal forms, and the textural interest of layered, platy or needle-like clusters.
Collectors value braunite for its distinctive metallic sheen, robust habit, and the way it preserves a strong, earthy luster under display lighting. When well-crystallized, braunite can make compelling centerpiece pieces within a collection, pairing well with other manganese silicates and contrasting minerals to highlight its warm brown tones and structural geometry.
