Berzeliite is a rare arsenate mineral belonging to the garnet group, most famous for its occurrences in the Långban mines of Sweden. Collectors prize it for its distinct dodecahedral crystal habit and rich honey-yellow to orange-brown coloration in manganese-rich metamorphic environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Berzeliite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this berzeliite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch berzeliite with a known reference. Berzeliite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Berzeliite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Berzeliite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Berzeliite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside berzeliite

Minerals reported to co-occur with berzeliite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (NaCa₂)Mg₂(AsO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.05-4.11 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find berzeliite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Nordmark, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where berzeliite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, dolomite, rhodo-chrosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify berzeliite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange, brown.

Where is berzeliite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden; Nordmark, Sweden.

How much is berzeliite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is berzeliite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with caution, wash hands after touching, and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like berzeliite?+

Berzeliite is most often confused with Manganberzeliite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with berzeliite?+

Berzeliite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Dolomite, Rhodo-chrosite, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does berzeliite form in?+

Berzeliite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is berzeliite used for?+

Berzeliite is used in collector.

Find berzeliite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.