Latiumite is an extremely rare silicate mineral typically found in volcanic ejecta or contact metamorphic zones. It usually occurs as small, pale tabular crystals or granular inclusions within igneous complexes, most notably in the Alban Hills of Italy.
Is this latiumite?
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 latiumite with a known reference. Latiumite 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. Latiumite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Latiumite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular masses.
Often confused with
Latiumite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside latiumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with latiumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,K,Na)₈(Si,Al)₁₂O₂₄(SO₄,CO₃,Cl)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.79 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Granular Masses
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ejecta in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find latiumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Alban Hills, Latium, Italy
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in ejecta in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where latiumite typically forms. If you start seeing gehlenite, wollastonite, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find latiumite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
