Retzian-(Ce) is a rare arsenate mineral occurring primarily in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It is typically found as small, reddish-brown tabular crystals often associated with hausmannite and carbonate minerals in Swedish localities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareRetzian Group family

Retzian-(Ce)

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Brown
Transparency: Translucent

Is this retzian-(ce)?

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 retzian-(ce) with a known reference. Retzian-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Retzian-(Ce) leaves a light brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Retzian-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: reddish brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Retzian-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Retzian-(Ce) leaves light brown, Retzian-(Nd) leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Retzian-(Ce) leaves light brown, Retzian-(La) leaves yellowish.

Compare →

Often found alongside retzian-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₂Ce(AsO₄)(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.57 g/cm³
Colors: Reddish Brown Brown
Streak: Light Brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find retzian-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Nordmark, Sweden
Jakobsberg, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where retzian-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify retzian-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light brown. Common colors include reddish brown, brown.

Where is retzian-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Nordmark, Sweden; Jakobsberg, Sweden.

How much is retzian-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is retzian-(ce) safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like retzian-(ce)?+

Retzian-(Ce) is most often confused with Retzian-(Nd), Retzian-(La). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with retzian-(ce)?+

Retzian-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Baryte, Dolomite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does retzian-(ce) form in?+

Retzian-(Ce) typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is retzian-(ce) used for?+

Retzian-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find retzian-(ce) on the map

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