Holmquistite is a rare lithium-rich amphibole typically found as acicular or fibrous aggregates in the contact zones of lithium pegmatites. Collectors look for its distinctive violet-blue color, which helps distinguish it from more common dark-colored amphiboles in lithium-rich geological environments.
Is this holmquistite?
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 holmquistite with a known reference. Holmquistite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Holmquistite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Holmquistite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: violet, lavender, dark blue, bluish-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, columnar.
Often confused with
Holmquistite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside holmquistite
Minerals reported to co-occur with holmquistite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂(Mg,Fe²⁺)₃Al₂Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.11 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates, Columnar
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Geological Research
- Host rock
- Lithium-rich Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find holmquistite
Classic worldwide localities
- Utö, Sweden
- Greenbushes, Australia
- North Carolina, USA
- Manitoba, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in lithium-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where holmquistite typically forms. If you start seeing spodumene, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, columnar habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify holmquistite?+
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How much is holmquistite worth?+
What rocks look like holmquistite?+
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Find holmquistite on the map
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