Liddicoatite is a rare calcium-rich member of the tourmaline group, famous for its intense and complex color zoning often forming 'geometric' or 'star' patterns in cross-section. It is typically found in granitic pegmatites and is highly prized by collectors for its aesthetic crystal habits and vibrant multi-colored interior displays.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Liddicoatite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this liddicoatite?

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 liddicoatite with a known reference. Liddicoatite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liddicoatite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liddicoatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, red, green, blue, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside liddicoatite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(Li₂Al)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃F
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Red Green Blue Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals with Rounded Triangular Cross-sections
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-200 per gram for gem rough, $100-5000+ for specimen quality crystals

Where rockhounds find liddicoatite

Classic worldwide localities

Antsirabe, Madagascar
Minas Gerais, Brazil
San Diego County, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where liddicoatite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, lepidolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liddicoatite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, red, green, blue.

Where is liddicoatite found?+

Notable localities include Antsirabe, Madagascar; Minas Gerais, Brazil; San Diego County, USA.

How much is liddicoatite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per gram for gem rough, $100-5000+ for specimen quality crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like liddicoatite?+

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

What minerals are found with liddicoatite?+

Liddicoatite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Lepidolite, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liddicoatite form in?+

Liddicoatite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liddicoatite used for?+

Liddicoatite is used in collector, gemstone.

Find liddicoatite on the map

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