Lucchesiite is a rare member of the tourmaline group, chemically defined as a calcium-dominant analogue of schorl. It typically presents as black prismatic crystals within granitic pegmatites and is often visually indistinguishable from more common tourmaline species without chemical analysis.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Lucchesiite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this lucchesiite?

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 lucchesiite with a known reference. Lucchesiite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lucchesiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lucchesiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lucchesiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaFe²⁺₃Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.23 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find lucchesiite

Classic worldwide localities

Czech Republic
Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lucchesiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, k-feldspar, muscovite 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

How do you identify lucchesiite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is lucchesiite found?+

Notable localities include Czech Republic; Italy.

How much is lucchesiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lucchesiite?+

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

What minerals are found with lucchesiite?+

Lucchesiite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, K-feldspar, Muscovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lucchesiite form in?+

Lucchesiite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lucchesiite used for?+

Lucchesiite is used in collector.

Find lucchesiite on the map

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