Zenzénite is a rare lead-iron-manganese antimonate mineral found primarily in the Långban mining district of Sweden. Collectors typically look for its distinct yellowish-orange, tabular crystals associated with manganese oxides in metamorphic environments.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Zenzénite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this zenzénite?

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 zenzénite with a known reference. Zenzénite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zenzénite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zenzénite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zenzénite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Zenzénite and adamantine on Mimetite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zenzénite leaves yellow, Wulfenite leaves white.

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Often found alongside zenzénite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Fe₄Mn₃Sb₂O₁₈
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.45 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zenzénite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where zenzénite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, bixbyite, braunite 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 zenzénite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellowish-orange.

Where is zenzénite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden.

How much is zenzénite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zenzénite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zenzénite?+

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

What minerals are found with zenzénite?+

Zenzénite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Bixbyite, Braunite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zenzénite form in?+

Zenzénite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zenzénite used for?+

Zenzénite is used in collector.

Find zenzénite on the map

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