Class : Silicates
    Subclass : Sorosilicates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : Mn₈Si₆O₁₅(OH,Cl)₁₀
    Rarity : Quite common

Friedelite is a phyllosilicate which forms at the expense of manganese silicates in areas having undergone contact metamorphism ; it is associated with rhodochrosite, rhodonite and generally with manganese minerals. It is the dimorph of pyrosmalite, with hexagonal symmetry. Its name was given to it in honor of the French chemist and mineralogist Charles Friedel. Friedelite forms typical pseudohexagonal, tabular crystals, frequently hemimorphic, more rarely fibrous or acicular crystals ; it also forms cryptocrystalline or granular masses with a stalactitic appearance. Its color varies : pale pink to brownish red and dark brown, sometimes brownish yellow.

Main photo : Friedelite de N'Chwaning II Mine, South Africa © Bruce Cairncross

No twin known for this mineral species.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.