Lavinskyite is a rare member of the sugilite group known for its intense deep blue coloration, distinct from the typical purple of standard sugilite. It is primarily found as fibrous, matted aggregates in association with other rare manganese-rich minerals in South African mines.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSugilite Group family

Lavinskyite

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this lavinskyite?

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 lavinskyite with a known reference. Lavinskyite sits at Mohs 6-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep blue, violet-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lavinskyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K(LiCu)Cu₆(Si₄O₁₁)₂(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 3.64 g/cm³
Colors: Deep blue Violet-blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: hydrothermal manganese deposits

Where rockhounds find lavinskyite

Classic worldwide localities

Wessels Mine, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: hydrothermal manganese deposits. If you start seeing sugilite, bustamite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lavinskyite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include deep blue, violet-blue.

Where is lavinskyite found?+

Notable localities include Wessels Mine, South Africa.

Is lavinskyite safe to handle?+

Lavinskyite contains copper. Contains copper; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust when cutting or polishing.

What rocks look like lavinskyite?+

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

What minerals are found with lavinskyite?+

Lavinskyite commonly co-occurs with Sugilite, Bustamite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lavinskyite form in?+

Where it forms: hydrothermal manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lavinskyite used for?+

Lavinskyite is used in collector.

Find lavinskyite on the map

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