Liebauite is a rare calcium-potassium silicate mineral primarily found in volcanic ejecta and xenoliths within the Eifel region of Germany. It typically forms as small, clear to white tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from associated silicate minerals without advanced testing.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Liebauite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this liebauite?

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 liebauite with a known reference. Liebauite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liebauite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liebauite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside liebauite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Ca₇Si₁₆O₃₈
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Xenoliths in Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find liebauite

Classic worldwide localities

Bellerberg Volcano, Eifel, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in xenoliths in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where liebauite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, clinopyroxene, melilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liebauite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is liebauite found?+

Notable localities include Bellerberg Volcano, Eifel, Germany.

How much is liebauite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like liebauite?+

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

What minerals are found with liebauite?+

Liebauite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Clinopyroxene, Melilite, Hauyne. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liebauite form in?+

Liebauite typically forms in xenoliths in volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liebauite used for?+

Liebauite is used in collector.

Find liebauite on the map

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