Mineral Guide · Material
Neotocite is a poorly crystalline copper-iron-manganese silicate material found as dark coatings in weathered ore deposits.
Neotocite is a poorly crystalline copper-iron-manganese silicate material found as dark coatings in weathered ore deposits.
Reference formula: (Cu,Fe,Mn)SiO3·nH2O. Neotocite is compositionally variable and commonly poorly crystalline or amorphous, so it has no single ideal lattice for a public structure viewer. Its dark colour and association with copper oxides are useful clues, but analysis is recommended. Neotocite is classified with silicates and has a not applicable because no single room-temperature lattice is assigned crystal system. Typical hardness is 2–3 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 2.5–3.2.
Typical colours include brown, black, red-brown, green. The usual massive, coating, botryoidal habit and waxy, dull, earthy lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Neotocite forms in or is associated with supergene alteration of copper and manganese deposits and silica-rich weathering zones. Important documented localities include Chile, Japan, Australia, Germany, the United States and South Africa.
Neotocite is a reminder that mineral systems do not always end in perfect crystals. Its dark coatings preserve the chemistry of weathering while resisting a simple formula or lattice.
Keep dry and enclosed; avoid dust, acids and abrasive testing. No artificial lattice is assigned.
Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 28 August 2026
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