Ricterite is not a common mineral, but is found world wide as a small constituent in unusual rocks. Richterite is found in contact metamorphosed limestones, ultramafic igneous extrusives, metasomatic deposits and alkaline igneous rocks. Its type locality of Langban Mine and Pajsberg, Varmland, Sweden and Kipawa, Quebec, Canada are richterite's only consistent sources of good crystals. When crystals are seen they usually are slender and prismatic with typical amphibole diamond-shaped cross sections. Some richterite has been found in the meteorite debris at Canyon Diablo in Arizona .
Color is brown, reddish brown, yellow and light to dark green.
Luster is vitreous to dull. Crystals are generally translucent, but some specimens are translucent. Also found granular, massive and occasionally in radial aggregates. Cleavage is imperfect in two directions at 56 and 124 degrees. Fracture is uneven.