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 — that is 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.