Scheuchzerite is a rare manganese silicate mineral primarily found in manganese deposits within the Swiss Alps. It typically occurs as small, reddish-brown platy crystals or granular masses embedded in quartz-rich metamorphic assemblages.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow-brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTuhualite Group family

Scheuchzerite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow-brown
Transparency: Translucent

Is this scheuchzerite?

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 scheuchzerite with a known reference. Scheuchzerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Scheuchzerite leaves a yellow-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Scheuchzerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Scheuchzerite leaves yellow-brown, Tuhualite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Sugilite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Scheuchzerite leaves yellow-brown, Sugilite leaves white.

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Often found alongside scheuchzerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Mn₁₀(Si₁₂O₃₀)O₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brown
Streak: Yellow-brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find scheuchzerite

Classic worldwide localities

Val Ferrera, Graubünden, Switzerland
Val d'Err, Graubünden, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where scheuchzerite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, hematite, rhodonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify scheuchzerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow-brown. Common colors include red, brown.

Where is scheuchzerite found?+

Notable localities include Val Ferrera, Graubünden, Switzerland; Val d'Err, Graubünden, Switzerland.

How much is scheuchzerite worth?+

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

What rocks look like scheuchzerite?+

Scheuchzerite is most often confused with Tuhualite, Sugilite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with scheuchzerite?+

Scheuchzerite commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Hematite, Rhodonite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does scheuchzerite form in?+

Scheuchzerite typically forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is scheuchzerite used for?+

Scheuchzerite is used in collector.

Find scheuchzerite on the map

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