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, 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.