Tinzenite is a member of the axinite group characterized by its significant manganese content, which gives it distinctive warm yellow to brownish-orange hues. It is typically found in manganese-rich silicate rocks formed through regional metamorphism. Collectors look for its wedge-shaped, triclinic crystal habits, which are rare and prized from classic localities like Switzerland and Franklin, New Jersey.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAxinite Group family

Tinzenite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this tinzenite?

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 tinzenite with a known reference. Tinzenite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tinzenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tinzenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular to wedge-shaped crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside tinzenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Mn)₃Al₂BSi₄O₁₅(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.39-3.41 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular to Wedge-shaped Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tinzenite

Classic worldwide localities

Tinzen, Graubünden, Switzerland
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify tinzenite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, orange, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is tinzenite found?+

Notable localities include Tinzen, Graubünden, Switzerland; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Langban, Sweden.

How much is tinzenite worth?+

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

What rocks look like tinzenite?+

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

What minerals are found with tinzenite?+

Tinzenite commonly co-occurs with braunite, rhodonite, calcite, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tinzenite form in?+

Tinzenite 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 tinzenite used for?+

Tinzenite is used in collector.

Find tinzenite on the map

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