Mineral Guide · Mineral
Desautelsite is a manganese-rich hydrotalcite-group carbonate that forms pink to salmon coatings and fine platy aggregates.
Desautelsite is a manganese-rich hydrotalcite-group carbonate that forms pink to salmon coatings and fine platy aggregates.
The reference formula is Mg6Mn2(CO3)(OH)16·4H2O. Desautelsite belongs to a compositionally variable layered hydroxide group. Its colour and chemistry can overlap with related hydrotalcite-group minerals.
Typical colours include pink, salmon, brown. Its platy, botryoidal, massive habit and pearly, earthy lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Desautelsite forms in or is associated with low-temperature alteration of manganese- and magnesium-rich rocks. Important documented localities include Canada, South Africa, Japan, Australia and the United States.
Desautelsite is best kept as a labelled reference or collector specimen. Protect fragile crystals from impact and avoid cutting or grinding unknown material. Lead-, arsenic-, vanadium- and copper-bearing specimens are for display and careful handling only.
Some modern crystal guides associate Desautelsite with zodiac signs or symbolic themes based on colour, locality or collecting tradition. These associations vary between sources and are cultural interpretations, not mineralogical or medical properties.
Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 24 August 2026
Looking for Desautelsite?
Send us a request and we will try to find a suitable specimen for you.
Request Desautelsite