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

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Stavelotite-(La)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this stavelotite-(la)?

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 stavelotite-(la) with a known reference. Stavelotite-(La) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Stavelotite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Stavelotite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

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: CuLa₄Al₃(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)₃(OH)₃
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.21 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Manganese-rich Deposits in The Stavelot Massif
Typical price: $100-500+ for rare micro specimens

Where rockhounds find stavelotite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Stavelot Massif, Belgium

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically manganese-rich deposits in the stavelot massif country — that is the host setting where stavelotite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chlorite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify stavelotite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-brown, brown.

Where is stavelotite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Stavelot Massif, Belgium.

How much is stavelotite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for rare micro specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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

Stavelotite-(La) commonly co-occurs with quartz, chlorite, hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Stavelotite-(La) typically forms in metamorphic rocks, specifically manganese-rich deposits in the stavelot massif. 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

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