Lorenzenite is a rare titanium-rich silicate mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous environments. It typically forms elongated, prismatic, reddish-brown crystals that can be highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this lorenzenite?
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 lorenzenite with a known reference. Lorenzenite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lorenzenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lorenzenite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown, gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Lorenzenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lorenzenite leaves white, Aegirine leaves yellowish-grey; luster reads adamantine on Lorenzenite and vitreous on Aegirine.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lorenzenite leaves white, Manaccanite leaves black; luster reads adamantine on Lorenzenite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
Often found alongside lorenzenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lorenzenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ti₂Si₂O₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find lorenzenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Narssârssuk, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lorenzenite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lorenzenite on the map
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