Latrappite is a rare member of the perovskite supergroup specifically found in carbonatite environments. It typically occurs as small, equant, dark-colored crystals and is most famous from the type locality at the Oka complex in Canada.
Is this latrappite?
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 latrappite with a known reference. Latrappite 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. Latrappite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Latrappite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Latrappite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Latrappite leaves brown, Perovskite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Latrappite and adamantine on Perovskite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Latrappite leaves brown, Magnetite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Latrappite and metallic on Magnetite.
Often found alongside latrappite
Minerals reported to co-occur with latrappite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na)(Nb,Ti,Fe)O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Equant Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find latrappite
Classic worldwide localities
- Oka carbonatite complex, Quebec, Canada
- Jacupiranga mine, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatites country — that is the host setting where latrappite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find latrappite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
