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 — that is 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.