Stavelotite-(La) is an extremely rare copper-lanthanum silicate mineral first identified in the Stavelot Massif of Belgium. It typically occurs as small, brownish platy crystals associated with manganese-rich mineral assemblages. Due to its rarity and limited locality, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Stavelotite-(La)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this stavelotite-(la)?

4-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 stavelotite-(la) with a known reference. Stavelotite-(La) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: aggregates, anhedral grains.

Often found alongside stavelotite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: La₃Mn₃Cu(Mn,Fe,Mn)₂₆(Si₂O₇)₆O₃₀
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.489 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Aggregates, anhedral grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A minor late-stage, accessory phase in a quartz vein cross-cutting highly oxidized manganiferous phyllites

Where rockhounds find stavelotite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Le Coreux, 1 km north of Salmchâteau, Belgium

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A minor late-stage, accessory phase in a quartz vein cross-cutting highly oxidized manganiferous phyllites. If you start seeing albite, braunite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify stavelotite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include black.

Where is stavelotite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Le Coreux, 1 km north of Salmchâteau, Belgium.

Is stavelotite-(la) safe to handle?+

Stavelotite-(La) contains copper. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What minerals are found with stavelotite-(la)?+

Stavelotite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Albite, Braunite, Hematite, Hollandite-strontiomelane, Kanonaite, Mn-oxides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does stavelotite-(la) form in?+

Where it forms: A minor late-stage, accessory phase in a quartz vein cross-cutting highly oxidized manganiferous phyllites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is stavelotite-(la) used for?+

Stavelotite-(La) is used in collector.

Find stavelotite-(la) on the map

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