Labyrinthite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found primarily in alkaline igneous environments like the Mont Saint-Hilaire complex. It is characterized by its distinct tabular crystal form and pinkish-brown coloration, often occurring within complex silicate pegmatites.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Labyrinthite

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

No image

Is this labyrinthite?

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 labyrinthite with a known reference. Labyrinthite 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. Labyrinthite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Labyrinthite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside labyrinthite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca,K)₄(Zr,Fe,Mn)Si₂O₆(OH,Cl)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find labyrinthite

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where labyrinthite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify labyrinthite?+

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

Where is labyrinthite found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

How much is labyrinthite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like labyrinthite?+

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

What minerals are found with labyrinthite?+

Labyrinthite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Sodalite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does labyrinthite form in?+

Labyrinthite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is labyrinthite used for?+

Labyrinthite is used in collector.

Find labyrinthite on the map

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