Lithosite is an extremely rare potassium sodium aluminum silicate mineral found almost exclusively in the alkaline rocks of the Ilimaussaq complex in Greenland. It typically occurs as white or colorless prismatic crystals embedded within a matrix of other rare-earth minerals. Due to its limited distribution, it is highly sought after by advanced collectors of alkaline-suite minerals.
Is this lithosite?
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 lithosite with a known reference. Lithosite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lithosite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lithosite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Lithosite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lithosite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lithosite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₆NaAlSi₈O₂₀
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.58 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Nepheline Syenite
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find lithosite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilimaussaq complex, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic nepheline syenite country — that is the host setting where lithosite typically forms. If you start seeing ussingite, sodalite, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lithosite on the map
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