Liottite is a very rare mineral belonging to the cancrinite group, typically found as small, clear prismatic crystals. It is most famously associated with the volcanic ejecta of the Somma-Vesuvius complex in Italy, where it occurs within cavities in volcanic rocks.
Is this liottite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch liottite with a known reference. Liottite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liottite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Liottite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Liottite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside liottite
Minerals reported to co-occur with liottite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,K)₈(Si,Al,Fe,Ti)₁₂O₂₄(SO₄,Cl,OH)₂·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ejecta From Volcanic Eruptions
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find liottite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Somma, Italy
- Vesuvius, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in ejecta from volcanic eruptions country — that is the host setting where liottite typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, nepheline, augite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find liottite on the map
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