Schizolite is a rare manganese-bearing member of the pectolite group, typically identified by its delicate pink to reddish-pink color. Collectors usually find it as radiating clusters or needle-like crystals in alkaline environments like pegmatites or nepheline syenites. It is often distinguished from common white pectolite by its distinct pink hue caused by manganese substitution.
Is this schizolite?
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 schizolite with a known reference. Schizolite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, pale red, brownish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Schizolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside schizolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schizolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Ca,Mn)₂Si₃O₈(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.09 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular crystals, fibrous, radiating aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100} and {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In nepheline syenite (Greenland); in skarn formed by metasomatic alteration of manganese rich metasediments (Wessels)
Where rockhounds find schizolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tutop Agtakôrfia, Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, Julianehåb district, South Greenland (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In nepheline syenite (Greenland); in skarn formed by metasomatic alteration of manganese rich metasediments (Wessels). If you start seeing serandite, calcite aegirine, hydroxyapophyllite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, radiating aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify schizolite?+
Where is schizolite found?+
What rocks look like schizolite?+
What minerals are found with schizolite?+
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Find schizolite on the map
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