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.
Is this larvikite?
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 larvikite with a known reference. Larvikite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the textureLook at a fresh break with a hand lens. Texture: Thumbnail-sized feldspar crystals with a silver-blue schiller.
- 3Pick out the mineralsComposition: Ternary feldspar partly unmixed to perthite, with olivine, apatite and locally quartz. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
- 4Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 5Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, blue, black, silver.
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
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Decorative, Lapidary, Construction
- Host rock
- alkaline igneous intrusions
- Texture
- Thumbnail-sized feldspar crystals with a silver-blue schiller
- Composition
- Ternary feldspar partly unmixed to perthite, with olivine, apatite and locally quartz
Where rockhounds find larvikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Larvik, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: alkaline igneous intrusions. If you start seeing plagioclase, orthoclase, amphibole in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
How do you identify larvikite?+
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What rocks look like larvikite?+
What minerals are found with larvikite?+
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Find larvikite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
