Bustamite
Bustamite is silicates (pyroxenoid), CaMn(Si2O6) (Ca-Mn inosilicate). In the hand, it rates 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs salmon pink and brownish pink. Salmon-pink pyroxenoid with a brownish cast, paler and browner than rhodonite, often fibrous, classic with galena and willemite at Broken Hill or Franklin.
The geology.
Bustamite carries the formula CaMn(Si2O6) (Ca-Mn inosilicate). It belongs to the triclinic system. It is classified as silicates (pyroxenoid).
It sits at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to silky. Light behaviour is translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.32 to 3.43. The streak is white. It breaks with perfect cleavage; uneven fracture.
Salmon-pink pyroxenoid with a brownish cast, paler and browner than rhodonite, often fibrous, classic with galena and willemite at Broken Hill or Franklin.
You will most often meet it as massive cleavable chunks, fibrous aggregates, rare bladed crystals or cabochons.
The origins.
Metamorphosed manganese deposits: Broken Hill (Australia), Franklin (New Jersey, USA), Mexico, Japan, South Africa.
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; gemmy pink Broken Hill material is prized.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with emotional warmth and easing anxiety in groups.
People buy on this language, so it belongs on the page. It belongs under the facts, though, not over them.
Spotting the real thing.
Salmon-pink pyroxenoid with a brownish cast, paler and browner than rhodonite, often fibrous, classic with galena and willemite at Broken Hill or Franklin.
Mislabeling as rhodonite (and vice versa) is the main issue; color tone and locality are your guide.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Rhodonite | Rhodonite is richer rose-red usually netted with black manganese-oxide veins; bustamite leans salmon-brown |
| Rhodochrosite | Rhodochrosite is much softer (3.5 to 4) and fizzes in warm acid |
| Thulite | Thulite (pink zoisite) is denser pink-magenta and granular massive |
At-home tests.
You can run every one of these at a kitchen table. Good light matters more than gear when you are looking at bustamite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Knife barely scratches it (5.5 to 6.5) |
| Acid check | No fizz with vinegar |
| By eye | Salmon tone with fibrous silkiness in many pieces |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with perfect cleavage; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is CaMn(Si2O6) (Ca-Mn inosilicate). Crystal system: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 3.32 to 3.43. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect cleavage; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphosed manganese deposits: Broken Hill (Australia), Franklin (New Jersey, USA), Mexico, Japan, South Africa.
What it gets confused with
Rhodonite: Rhodonite is richer rose-red usually netted with black manganese-oxide veins; bustamite leans salmon-brown. Rhodochrosite: Rhodochrosite is much softer (3.5 to 4) and fizzes in warm acid. Thulite: Thulite (pink zoisite) is denser pink-magenta and granular massive.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; gemmy pink Broken Hill material is prized.
Where buyers get caught
Mislabeling as rhodonite (and vice versa) is the main issue; color tone and locality are your guide.
One more thing
Some Franklin bustamite fluoresces while its rhodonite neighbors stay dark, one of the tells specimen dealers use at the famous fluorescent locality.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry bustamite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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