Crimsonite is a rare lithium manganese phosphate mineral typically found in phosphate-rich pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic deep reddish-pink to crimson hues within massive granular aggregates.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Crimsonite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this crimsonite?

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 crimsonite with a known reference. Crimsonite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Crimsonite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Crimsonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, crimson.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Lepidolite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Crimsonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 2.5-3); luster reads vitreous on Crimsonite and pearly on Lepidolite.

Often found alongside crimsonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: LiMnPO₄
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Red Crimson
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen

Where rockhounds find crimsonite

Classic worldwide localities

Brazil
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where crimsonite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify crimsonite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, crimson.

Where is crimsonite found?+

Notable localities include Brazil; USA.

How much is crimsonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like crimsonite?+

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

What minerals are found with crimsonite?+

Crimsonite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Tourmaline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does crimsonite form in?+

Crimsonite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is crimsonite used for?+

Crimsonite is used in collector.

Find crimsonite on the map

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