Rüdlingerite is a very rare manganese arsenate mineral discovered in the manganese ore deposits of Switzerland. It typically forms thin, orange-colored tabular crystals embedded in quartz or associated with iron oxides. Collectors prize this species for its extremely limited type locality and distinct crystalline form.
Is this rüdlingerite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch rüdlingerite with a known reference. Rüdlingerite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rüdlingerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rüdlingerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Rüdlingerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rüdlingerite leaves yellow, Vantasselite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Rüdlingerite and pearly on Vantasselite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rüdlingerite leaves yellow, Arseniosiderite leaves yellowish-brown; luster reads vitreous on Rüdlingerite and silky on Arseniosiderite.
Often found alongside rüdlingerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rüdlingerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺₂As⁵⁺O₄(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metasedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size
Where rockhounds find rüdlingerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Rüdlingen, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in metasedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where rüdlingerite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, hematite, goethite 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 rüdlingerite?+
Where is rüdlingerite found?+
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Find rüdlingerite on the map
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