Lithiomarsturite is a rare lithium-bearing silicate mineral primarily found in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It is visually similar to rhodonite and can often be identified by its distinctive pink color, though precise identification usually requires X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis due to its close relationship with other pyroxenoid minerals.
Is this lithiomarsturite?
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 lithiomarsturite with a known reference. Lithiomarsturite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lithiomarsturite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lithiomarsturite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink, brownish-pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or prismatic aggregates.
Often confused with
Lithiomarsturite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lithiomarsturite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lithiomarsturite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- LiCaMn₃Si₅O₁₄(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Prismatic Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Mineralogical Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese-zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find lithiomarsturite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Langban, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where lithiomarsturite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or prismatic aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lithiomarsturite?+
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How much is lithiomarsturite worth?+
What rocks look like lithiomarsturite?+
What minerals are found with lithiomarsturite?+
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Find lithiomarsturite on the map
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