Johannsenite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Johannsenite
Albert Johannsen
Formula:
CaMn2+Si2O6
Colour:
Dark brown, pale brownish, blue-green, pale greenish, grey-white, colourless
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
6
Specific Gravity:
3.56
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1932 by Waldemar Theodore Schaller in honor of Albert Johannsen [Belle Plaine, Iowa December 3, 1871 - January 11, 1962 Winter Park, Florida, USA], Professor and petrologist, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Johannsen's contribution are noteworthy. He established quantitative definitions of rock analysis and rock classifications as well as redesigning the petrographic microscope. His five volume Petrography of the Igneous Rocks is a classic in petrography.
Co-Type Localities:
Dimorph of:
Pyroxene Group - Clinopyroxene Subgroup; see also Hedenbergite-Johannsenite Series, and the Diopside-Johannsenite Series.
Johannsenite is the low-temperature polymorph of CaMnSi2O6 and bustamite is its high-temperature polymorph.
Johannsenite is the low-temperature polymorph of CaMnSi2O6 and bustamite is its high-temperature polymorph.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2103
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2103:2
IMA Classification of Johannsenite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
CaMnSi2O6
First published:
1938
Classification of Johannsenite
9.DA.15
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
A : Inosilicates with 2-periodic single chains, Si2O6; pyroxene family
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
A : Inosilicates with 2-periodic single chains, Si2O6; pyroxene family
65.1.3a.4
65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
1 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=2
65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
1 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=2
14.18.18
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
18 : Silicates of Mn and Na, K, Mg, Ca or Fe
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
18 : Silicates of Mn and Na, K, Mg, Ca or Fe
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jhn | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Jh | Kretz (1983) | Kretz, R. (1983) Symbols of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 68, 277–279. |
| Jh | Siivolam & Schmid (2007) | Siivolam, J. and Schmid, R. (2007) Recommendations by the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Metamorphic Rocks: List of mineral abbreviations. Web-version 01.02.07. IUGS Commission on the Systematics in Petrology. download |
| Jhn | Whitney & Evans (2010) | Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371 |
| Jh | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Johannsenite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Dark brown, pale brownish, blue-green, pale greenish, grey-white, colourless
Comment:
Depends on content of iron and other impurities.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
6 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Step-Like
Density:
3.56 g/cm3 (Measured)
Comment:
From Webmineral
Optical Data of Johannsenite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.703 - 1.716 nβ = 1.711 - 1.728 nγ = 1.732 - 1.745
2V:
Measured: 68° to 70°, Calculated: 64° to 82°
Birefringence:
0.029
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.029
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v weak
Chemistry of Johannsenite
Mindat Formula:
CaMn2+Si2O6
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Ti,Al,Fe,Mg,Na,K,C,P,H2O
Crystallography of Johannsenite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Setting:
C2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.87 Å, b = 9.04 Å, c = 5.27 Å
β = 105.54°
β = 105.54°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.092 : 1 : 0.583
Unit Cell V:
453.03 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Comment:
Freed R L , Peacor D R , American Mineralogist , 52 (1967) p.709-720, Refinement of the crystal structure of johannsenite
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000156 | Johannsenite | Freed R L, Peacor D R (1967) Refinement of the crystal structure of johannsenite American Mineralogist 52 709-720 |  | 1967 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.631 Å | (25) |
| 4.808 Å | (14) |
| 4.578 Å | (5) |
| 3.515 Å | (11) |
| 3.048 Å | (100) |
| 3.025 Å | (43) |
| 2.948 Å | (11) |
| 2.620 Å | (30) |
| 2.572 Å | (43) |
| 2.550 Å | (38) |
| 2.404 Å | (2) |
| 2.355 Å | (4) |
| 2.246 Å | (11) |
| 2.210 Å | (5) |
| 2.180 Å | (21) |
| 2.153 Å | (13) |
| 2.088 Å | (5) |
| 2.043 Å | (14) |
| 2.039 Å | (16) |
| 1.995 Å | (3) |
| 1.9042 Å | (4) |
| 1.8626 Å | (2) |
| 1.8433 Å | (3) |
| 1.8175 Å | (3) |
| 1.7989 Å | (13) |
| 1.7035 Å | (5) |
| 1.6732 Å | (2) |
| 1.6627 Å | (11) |
| 1.6577 Å | (10) |
| 1.6405 Å | (13) |
| 1.6327 Å | (8) |
| 1.6026 Å | (4) |
| 1.5900 Å | (4) |
| 1.5614 Å | (3) |
| 1.5571 Å | (6) |
| 1.5545 Å | (6) |
| 1.5225 Å | (10) |
| 1.5144 Å | (5) |
| 1.4577 Å | (12) |
| 1.4374 Å | (8) |
| 1.4295 Å | (5) |
| 1.411 Å | (3) |
| 1.4085 Å | (2) |
| 1.3568 Å | (6) |
| 1.3359 Å | (2) |
| 1.3095 Å | (4) |
| 1.3065 Å | (4) |
| 1.3052 Å | (3) |
| 1.2980 Å | (2) |
Comments:
ICDD 35-539
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits |
Type Occurrence of Johannsenite
Other Language Names for Johannsenite
Varieties of Johannsenite
| Ferrojohannsenite | Iron(II)-bearing variety of johannsenite. |
Relationship of Johannsenite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Clinopyroxene Subgroup:
| Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Aegirine-augite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(Fe3+eAlfFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Augite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Burnettite | CaVAlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Clinoenstatite | MgSiO3 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Clinoferrosilite | Fe2+2Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Colomeraite | NaTi3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Davisite | CaScAlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Diopside | CaMgSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Esseneite | CaFe3+[AlSiO6] | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Grossmanite | CaTi3+ AlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Hedenbergite | CaFe2+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Jadeite | Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Jervisite | NaSc3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Kanoite | Mn2+(Mg,Mn2+)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Kosmochlor | NaCrSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Kushiroite | CaAlAlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Namansilite | NaMn3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Natalyite | NaV3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Omphacite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(AleFe3+fFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m |
| Petedunnite | CaZnSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Pigeonite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Ryabchikovite | CuMgSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Spodumene | LiAlSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Tissintite | (Ca,◻)AlSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| UM2001-19-SiO:AlCaMgNa | (Na,Mg,Ca)(Mg,Al)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| UM2003-36-SiO:CaNa | NaCrSi2O6 - CaMgSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 37 photos of Johannsenite associated with Axinite-(Mn) | Ca2Mn2+Al2BSi4O15(OH) |
| 32 photos of Johannsenite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 28 photos of Johannsenite associated with Rhodonite | CaMn3Mn[Si5O15] |
| 27 photos of Johannsenite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 20 photos of Johannsenite associated with Manganbabingtonite | Ca2Mn2+Fe3+Si5O14(OH) |
| 14 photos of Johannsenite associated with Nekoite | Ca3Si6O15 · 7H2O |
| 13 photos of Johannsenite associated with Galena | PbS |
| 12 photos of Johannsenite associated with Clinohedrite | CaZn(SiO4) · H2O |
| 12 photos of Johannsenite associated with Hendricksite | KZn3(Si3Al)O10(OH)2 |
| 12 photos of Johannsenite associated with Andradite | Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.DA. | Colomeraite | NaTi3+Si2O6 |
| 9.DA. | Protoenstatite | Mg2Si2O6 |
| 9.DA. | Ryabchikovite | CuMgSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.05 | Donpeacorite | (Mn,Mg)MgSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.05 | Enstatite | Mg2Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.05 | Ferrosilite | Fe2+2Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.10 | Clinoenstatite | MgSiO3 |
| 9.DA.10 | Clinoferrosilite | Fe2+2Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.10 | Kanoite | Mn2+(Mg,Mn2+)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.10 | Pigeonite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Grossmanite | CaTi3+ AlSiO6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Diopside | CaMgSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.15 va | Jeffersonite | Ca(Mn,Zn,Fe)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Hedenbergite | CaFe2+Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Petedunnite | CaZnSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Esseneite | CaFe3+[AlSiO6] |
| 9.DA.15 | Kushiroite | CaAlAlSiO6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Augite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.15 | Davisite | CaScAlSiO6 |
| 9.DA.20 | Aegirine-augite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(Fe3+eAlfFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.20 | Omphacite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(AleFe3+fFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Jadeite | Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Namansilite | NaMn3+Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Natalyite | NaV3+Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Jervisite | NaSc3+Si2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Tissintite | (Ca,◻)AlSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.25 | Kosmochlor | NaCrSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.30 | Spodumene | LiAlSi2O6 |
| 9.DA.35 | Hiroseite | FeSiO3 |
Fluorescence of Johannsenite
Not fluorescent in UV
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Johannsenite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Johannsenite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2103.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Johannsenite
Reference List:
Schaller, Waldemar T. (1938) Johannsenite, a new manganese pyroxene. American Mineralogist, 23 (9) 575-582
Allen, Victor T.; Fahey, Joseph J. (1953) Rhodonite, johannsenite, and ferroan johannsenite at Vanadium, New Mexico. American Mineralogist, 38 (11-12). 883-890
Hutton, C. Osborne (1956) Manganpyrosmalite, bustamite, and ferroan johannsenite from Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. American Mineralogist, 41 (7-8) 581-591
Simons, Frank S., Munson, Elaine (1963) Johannsenite from the Aravaipa mining district, Arizona. American Mineralogist, 48 (9-10). 1154-1158
Frondel, Clifford (1965) Johannsenite and manganoan hortonolite from Franklin, N. J. American Mineralogist, 50 (5-6). 780-782
MORIMOTO, N., KOTO, K., SHINOHARA, T. (1966) ORIENTED TRANSFORMATION OF JOHANNSENITE TO BUSTAMITE. Mineralogical Journal, 5 (1) 44-64 doi:10.2465/minerj1953.5.44
Freed, R. L., Peacor, Donald R. (1967) Refinement of the crystal structure of johannsenite. American Mineralogist, 52 (5-6) 709-720
Burton, Jacqueline C.; Taylor, Lawrence A. (1982) The fO2-T and fS2-T stability relations of hedenbergite and of hedenbergite-johannsenite solid solutions. Economic Geology, 77 (4). 764-783 doi:10.2113/gsecongeo.77.4.764
Angel, R. J. (1984) The experimental determination of the johannsenite-bustamite equilibrium inversion boundary. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 85 (3) 272-278 doi:10.1007/bf00378105
SUGAKI, Asahiko, KITAKAZE, Arashi, ISOBE, Kiyoshi (1985) Johannsenite from the Koryu mine, Hokkaido, Japan. Mineralogical Journal, 12 (7) 341-348 doi:10.2465/minerj.12.341
Localities for Johannsenite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Birch (1999) |
| Edraki et al. (2025) |
Bulgaria | |
| Marcus Voigt and Alfredo Petrov ... +1 other reference |
| Moynier et al. (2025) |
| Stanimirova et al. (2023) | |
| Vassileva et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Milenkov et al. (2022) | |
| Vassileva | |
| Vassileva +2 other references | |
| [MinRec 22 p.439] | |
Canada | |
| Reiner Mielke 2014 |
| personal correspondence with Giles Peatfield (see comments in description) |
China | |
| Zhenhua Zhou et al. (2011) |
| Xing et al. (2022) |
| He et al. (2024) |
| Dequan Zhang et al. (1991) +1 other reference |
| Mei et al. (2023) |
| Jiannan Liu et al. (2013) |
| Wang et al. (2023) +1 other reference |
| Li et al. (2020) +1 other reference |
| Yang et al. (2013) |
| Xu et al. (2021) |
France | |
| Dubru. M (1986) |
Germany | |
| |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (n.d.) |
| Reinhardt et al. (2022) | |
Greece | |
| Rieck et al. (2022) |
| Tombros et al. (2023) |
Indonesia | |
| A.S. Subandrio (2010) |
Italy | |
| 415. +1 other reference |
| Redazione (2005) |
| Castellaro et al. (2023) |
| Bracco et al. (2014) |
| Bedognè et al. (1993) +1 other reference |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) |
| Bertolani (1976) |
| Bortolozzi (n.d.) +2 other references |
| Dini A. et al. (2013) |
| De Michele (1974) |
| De Michele (1974) +1 other reference |
| Lapis (2) |
| Pegoraro S. (2014) | |
| Boscardin et al. (2011) | |
Japan | |
| Tokunaga (1965) |
| SUGAKI et al. (1985) +1 other reference |
| - (n.d.) |
| Yamada (2004) |
| Mineralogical Journal Vol. 17 (1994) |
| David Nieto specimen +1 other reference |
| H. Momoi (1964) |
| Matsueda (1980) |
| - (n.d.) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Yamada (2004) |
| - (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| PXRD by Alfredo Petrov |
| A. Kato et al. |
Mexico | |
| Prescott |
| Calderon-Rodarte et al. (2017) |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Rock Currier +1 other reference |
Morocco | |
| El Khalile et al. (2023) |
North Macedonia | |
| Baric (1961) +1 other reference |
Norway | |
| van der Wel (1999) |
Peru | |
| www.sec.gov (n.d.) |
| Bussell et al. (1990) +1 other reference |
Romania | |
| Marincea et al. (2023) |
| Papp et al. (2005) |
| Hîrtopanu et al. (2003) | |
| Vlad (1997) |
| Paulina Hirtopanu et al. (2018) |
| Hârtopanu et al. (1996) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Ettlinger et al. (1991) |
| Brusnitsyn et al. (2009) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 1990 |
| Grant et al. (2001) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 2018 |
| Vasilenko (2001) | |
| Ratkin et al. (2021) | |
| Kasatkin et al. (2021) |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Testard et al. (1979, June) |
Slovakia | |
| Martin Števko-unpublished |
| Števko M. et al. (2025) +2 other references |
South Africa | |
| Pohl et al. (1991) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Mineralogistes de Catalunya |
Sweden | |
| Zetterqvist (2015) |
| Holtstam et al. (1999) |
| Identified with XRD & SEM/EDS by Prof. ... |
| Nysten (2004) |
| Lee (1958) | |
Tajikistan | |
| Badalov et al. (1976) +1 other reference |
UK | |
| [Specimen in the Natural History Museum |
USA | |
| - (2008) |
| - (2008) | |
| - (2008) | |
| Simons et al. (1963) +1 other reference |
| Simons (1964) |
| Reiter (1981) +1 other reference |
| Simons (1964) |
| Simons et al. (1963) +1 other reference | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Tice et al. (2001) |
| Schooner (circa 1980s) |
| King (n.d.) |
| Schaller (1938) +2 other references |
| FOMS Millsite Committee (1986) | |
| Allen et al. (1953) |
| AmMin 38:883 | |
| Minerals of the Ground Hog Mine Grant ... +1 other reference | |
| Allen et al. (1953) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| 3rd Annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium (1983) +1 other reference | |
| Allen et al. (1953) | |
| Cannon (1975) |
| Cannon (1975) |
Civillina Mountain, Recoaro Terme, Vicenza Province, Veneto, Italy