Litidionite is a rare copper-bearing silicate mineral typically occurring as pale blue, tabular, or fibrous crystals. It is primarily found in volcanic environments or within alkaline igneous complexes, often associated with other rare silicate minerals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Litidionite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this litidionite?

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 litidionite with a known reference. Litidionite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Litidionite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Litidionite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chrysocolla

Mohs 2-4

How to tell apart: Litidionite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 2-4).

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Litidionite and waxy on Turquoise.

Compare →

Often found alongside litidionite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KNaCuSi₄O₁₀
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.63 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Fumaroles, Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find litidionite

Classic worldwide localities

Vesuvius, Italy
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic fumaroles, alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where litidionite typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, augite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify litidionite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, pale blue.

Where is litidionite found?+

Notable localities include Vesuvius, Italy; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is litidionite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is litidionite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust when cutting or grinding. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like litidionite?+

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

What minerals are found with litidionite?+

Litidionite commonly co-occurs with Sanidine, Augite, Magnetite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does litidionite form in?+

Litidionite typically forms in volcanic fumaroles, alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is litidionite used for?+

Litidionite is used in collector.

Find litidionite on the map

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