Retzian-(Nd) is an extremely rare manganese arsenate mineral belonging to the Retzian group. It typically occurs as small, brownish tabular crystals in metamorphosed manganese deposits, most notably the famous Långban mines in Sweden.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to dull

Streak

Very pale brown

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrareRetzian Group family

Retzian-(Nd)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous to dull
Streak: Very pale brown
Transparency: Semitransparent

No image

Is this retzian-(nd)?

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-(nd) with a known reference. Retzian-(Nd) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: very pale brown.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to dull.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink brown, reddish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Retzian-(Nd) leaves very pale brown, Retzian-(La) leaves pale brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Retzian-(Nd) leaves very pale brown, Retzian-(Ce) leaves pale brown.

Compare →

Often found alongside retzian-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₂Nd(AsO₄)(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.45 g/cm³
Colors: Pink brown Reddish brown
Streak: Very pale brown
Luster: Vitreous to dull
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A very rare late phase in fractures in a metamorphosed stratiform zinc orebody

Where rockhounds find retzian-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A very rare late phase in fractures in a metamorphosed stratiform zinc orebody. If you start seeing rhodochrosite, kraisslite, sonolite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify retzian-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: vitreous to dull. The streak is very pale brown. Common colors include pink brown, reddish brown.

Where is retzian-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA.

Is retzian-(nd) safe to handle?+

Retzian-(Nd) contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like retzian-(nd)?+

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

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

Retzian-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Rhodochrosite, Kraisslite, Sonolite, Zincite, Sphalerite, Chlorophoenicite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: A very rare late phase in fractures in a metamorphosed stratiform zinc orebody. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is retzian-(nd) used for?+

Retzian-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find retzian-(nd) on the map

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