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 — that is 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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