Låvenite is a rare zirconium-rich silicate mineral primarily found in silica-undersaturated alkaline pegmatites. It is typically identified by its prismatic, yellowish to brownish crystals and its association with other rare zirconium and titanium minerals in complex igneous environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Låvenite

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

Is this låvenite?

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 låvenite with a known reference. Låvenite 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. Låvenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Låvenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, sometimes tabular or fibrous.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside låvenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₂(Mn,Fe²⁺)(Zr,Ti,Nb)Si₂O₈(O,OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Sometimes Tabular or Fibrous
Cleavage: Distinct On {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites and Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find låvenite

Classic worldwide localities

Låven, Langesundsfjord, Norway
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Narssârssuk, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites and alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where låvenite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, sometimes tabular or fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify låvenite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is låvenite found?+

Notable localities include Låven, Langesundsfjord, Norway; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Narssârssuk, Greenland.

How much is låvenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is låvenite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains minor amounts of thorium, so specimens should be stored in closed containers and dust should not be inhaled. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like låvenite?+

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

What minerals are found with låvenite?+

Låvenite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Eudialyte, Catapleiite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does låvenite form in?+

Låvenite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites and alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is låvenite used for?+

Låvenite is used in collector.

Find låvenite on the map

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