Guide
Inesite specimens for sale
18 for sale · $40–$6,500 USD
40 in the gallery
Inesite is a hydrated calcium manganese iron silicate whose formula signals a complex, layered structure. It typically forms small, prismatic to bladed crystals with a vitreous to resinous luster and a pale pink to colorless appearance, often occurring in intimate association with other manganese minerals. Habit tends toward acicular or tabular crystals, and the mineral can present a soft, pearly sheen under reflected light. Specimens from notable localities exhibit fine crystal aggregates that reveal the mineral’s delicate, three-dimensional form.
- Formula
- Ca2(Mn,Fe)7Si10O28(OH)2 · 5H2O
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Silicate; inosilicate, pyroxenoid-type chain silicate
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5–6
- Specific gravity
- 3–3.03
- Luster
- vitreous, pearly
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- pink, red, orange, brown
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, bladed, fibrous, radiating, granular, massive
Buy Inesite specimens
View all 18Where Inesite is found
Top localities
- N'Chwaning II Mine10 specimens
- Fengjiashan Mine9 specimens
- Hale Creek Mine5 specimens
- N'Chwaning Mines4 specimens
- Wessels Mine3 specimens
- Broken Hill1 specimen
- Daye Co.1 specimen
- Dallas Mine1 specimen
Guides
All guides
Guide
Inesite from Wessels Mine, South Africa
Inesite from Wessels Mine, South Africa - red to salmon-pink translucent blades in fans and drusy plates; prized for color, variety, and the Kalahari locality.Read guide
Guide
Inesite from N’Chwaning Mines, South Africa
Inesite from N’Chwaning Mines, South Africa — distinctive manganese silicate with rose to orange-red blades and sprays, prized by collectors.Read guide
Guide
Inesite from Broken Hill, Australia
Inesite from Broken Hill, Australia - classic manganese-silicate with rose-red to orange-brown sprays, crisp radial crystals, and strong collecting provenance.Read guideAbout Inesite
Collectors prize inesites for their rarity and the subtle beauty of their crystal clusters, especially when sourced from renowned deposits in South Africa, China, and abroad. The combination of calcium, manganese, and iron in its composition yields a mineral that is both structurally interesting and aesthetically refined, with a limpid look that stands out among silicate minerals. While not abundant, high-quality inesites from classic locales provide compelling thumbnails and small cabinet pieces that reward careful handling and display.
