Fluor-liddicoatite is a rare calcium-rich member of the tourmaline group, famous for its distinct, complex color zoning. Collectors prize it for the sharp triangular patterns visible when cross-sectioned slices are examined. It is almost exclusively found in the pegmatites of Madagascar.
Is this fluor-liddicoatite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch fluor-liddicoatite with a known reference. Fluor-liddicoatite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluor-liddicoatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluor-liddicoatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: multicolored, pink, green, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, vertically striated.
Often confused with
Fluor-liddicoatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluor-liddicoatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluor-liddicoatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(Li₂Al)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 3.08-3.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals with Rounded Triangular Cross-sections, Vertically Striated
- Cleavage
- Indistinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Gemstone
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail, $200-2000 cabinet
Where rockhounds find fluor-liddicoatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Antsirabe, Madagascar
- Anjanabonoina, Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where fluor-liddicoatite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, lepidolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, vertically striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluor-liddicoatite?+
Where is fluor-liddicoatite found?+
How much is fluor-liddicoatite worth?+
What rocks look like fluor-liddicoatite?+
What minerals are found with fluor-liddicoatite?+
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Find fluor-liddicoatite on the map
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