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. Schizolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schizolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink.
- 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
- 2.85-2.90 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100} and {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find schizolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Narsarsuk, Greenland
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country, the host setting where schizolite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find schizolite on the map
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