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, so Rüdlingerite leaves yellow, Vantasselite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Rüdlingerite and pearly on Vantasselite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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?+
How much is rüdlingerite worth?+
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Find rüdlingerite on the map
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