Celsian is a rare barium-rich feldspar mineral often found in contact metamorphosed limestones and manganese-rich deposits. It is best identified by its higher density compared to common potassium feldspars and its characteristic fluorescence under UV light. Collectors typically look for small tabular crystals associated with other calcium and barium-bearing skarn minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareFeldspar Group family

Celsian

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this celsian?

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 celsian with a known reference. Celsian sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Celsian leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Celsian typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside celsian

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaAl₂Si₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 3.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect On {001} and {010}
Fluorescence: Blue or Red Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits, Contact Metamorphosed Limestones
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find celsian

Classic worldwide localities

Jakobsberg mine, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Val di Susa, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits, contact metamorphosed limestones country — that is the host setting where celsian typically forms. If you start seeing diopside, grossular, wollastonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify celsian?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellow, gray.

Where is celsian found?+

Notable localities include Jakobsberg mine, Sweden; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Val di Susa, Italy.

How much is celsian worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like celsian?+

Celsian is most often confused with Pink Feldspar, Albite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with celsian?+

Celsian commonly co-occurs with Diopside, Grossular, Wollastonite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does celsian form in?+

Celsian typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits, contact metamorphosed limestones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is celsian used for?+

Celsian is used in collector, scientific research.

Find celsian on the map

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