Lisetite is a rare high-pressure polymorph of calcium aluminum silicate found within eclogites. It typically occurs as small grains in high-grade metamorphic environments, making it a significant mineral for understanding crustal subduction processes.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePlagioclase Series family

Lisetite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this lisetite?

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 lisetite with a known reference. Lisetite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lisetite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lisetite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lisetite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaAl₂Si₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.68 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: Perfect On {001} and {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Eclogite Facies Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lisetite

Classic worldwide localities

Liset, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in eclogite facies rocks country, the host setting where lisetite typically forms. If you start seeing garnet, pyroxene, kyanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lisetite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, gray.

Where is lisetite found?+

Notable localities include Liset, Norway.

How much is lisetite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lisetite?+

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

What minerals are found with lisetite?+

Lisetite commonly co-occurs with Garnet, Pyroxene, Kyanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lisetite form in?+

Lisetite typically forms in eclogite facies rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lisetite used for?+

Lisetite is used in collector.

Find lisetite on the map

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