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, so Latrappite leaves brown, Perovskite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Latrappite and adamantine on Perovskite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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How much is latrappite worth?+
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Find latrappite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
