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 — that is 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.