Rinmanite is an extremely rare zinc antimonate mineral first discovered in the famous Långban mines of Sweden. It typically appears as small, yellowish-brown tabular crystals embedded within manganese-rich metamorphic rocks.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Rinmanite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

Is this rinmanite?

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 rinmanite with a known reference. Rinmanite 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. Rinmanite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rinmanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Berzeliite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Rinmanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 5); streak differs — Rinmanite leaves yellowish-white, Berzeliite leaves white.

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Often found alongside rinmanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₂Sb₂O₇
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.5-4.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese-iron Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find rinmanite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where rinmanite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, jacobsite, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rinmanite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is rinmanite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is rinmanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rinmanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rinmanite?+

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

What minerals are found with rinmanite?+

Rinmanite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Jacobsite, Barite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rinmanite form in?+

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

What is rinmanite used for?+

Rinmanite is used in collector.

Find rinmanite on the map

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