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 5, 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
- 5
- 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
Where rockhounds find liottite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Somma, Italy
- Vesuvius, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in ejecta from volcanic eruptions country, 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
How do you identify liottite?+
Where is liottite found?+
What rocks look like liottite?+
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Find liottite on the map
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