Larvikite is a unique monzonite rock characterized by the presence of schillerizing feldspar, which creates a striking blue or silver metallic flash known as labradorescence. It is highly valued in architectural and lapidary applications for its polished dark luster and shimmering reflections. It is found primarily in plutonic rock formations associated with the Permian Oslo Rift in Norway.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

igneouscommon

Larvikite

Also: Blue Pearl Granite, Emerald Pearl, Norwegian Moonstone

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this larvikite?

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 larvikite with a known reference. Larvikite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Larvikite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Larvikite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, blue, black, silver.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside larvikite

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Blue Black Silver
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Lapidary, Construction
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Intrusions
Typical price: $10-100 per slab or polished specimen

Where rockhounds find larvikite

Classic worldwide localities

Larvik, Norway
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Ontario, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where larvikite typically forms. If you start seeing plagioclase, orthoclase, amphibole 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 larvikite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, blue, black, silver.

Where is larvikite found?+

Notable localities include Larvik, Norway; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Ontario, Canada.

How much is larvikite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per slab or polished specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like larvikite?+

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

What minerals are found with larvikite?+

Larvikite commonly co-occurs with Plagioclase, Orthoclase, Amphibole, Olivine, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does larvikite form in?+

Larvikite typically forms in alkaline igneous intrusions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is larvikite used for?+

Larvikite is used in decorative, lapidary, construction.

Find larvikite on the map

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