Jungite

Attractive iridescent jungite crystals on matrix from the classic Hagendorf South pegmatite, Bavaria, Germany. The specimen displays flattened to fibrous, pale yellow to whitish jungite aggregates with a characteristic silky to pearly luster, locally showing subtle iridescence against the darker pegmatitic matrix.

Jungite is a rare hydrated manganese silicate, belonging to the silicate mineral group, and is closely associated with the late-stage hydrothermal alteration of phosphate-rich pegmatites. The Hagendorf South pegmatite represents one of the world’s most important localities for jungite and related secondary manganese and phosphate minerals.

The mineral formed during late, low-temperature hydrothermal processes, where manganese-rich fluids interacted with earlier primary pegmatite minerals. Such conditions led to the crystallization of delicate, fine-grained jungite aggregates coating fractures and cavities.

Material from Hagendorf was mainly collected during the mid to late 20th century, both during active quarry operations and subsequent systematic mineral collecting. Well-developed and aesthetically pleasing specimens like this are increasingly difficult to obtain.

Jungite is stable under normal collection conditions, though its delicate crystal aggregates should be handled with care to avoid mechanical damage.

At Hagendorf South, jungite is commonly associated with minerals such as strengite, phosphosiderite, eosphorite, laueite, and other secondary phosphate and manganese minerals typical of this famous pegmatite.