Stichtite is a soft, vibrant lilac to purple mineral typically found in serpentinite rocks as a secondary alteration product of chromite. It is prized by lapidary enthusiasts for its ability to take a polish and is frequently associated with green serpentine in the attractive rock known as Stichtite-in-Serpentine.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Group family

Stichtite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this stichtite?

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 stichtite with a known reference. Stichtite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Stichtite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Stichtite typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lilac, purple, pink, violet.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, micaceous, foliated aggregates.

Often confused with

Stichtite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Lepidolite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Stichtite and pearly on Lepidolite.

How to tell apart: Sugilite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 1.5-2); luster reads waxy on Stichtite and vitreous on Sugilite.

Compare →

Often found alongside stichtite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₆Cr₂(OH)₁₆CO₃·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Lilac Purple Pink Violet
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Micaceous, Foliated Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Lapidary, Decorative
Host rock: Serpentinite Bodies
Typical price: $10-50 per specimen depending on quality and size

Where rockhounds find stichtite

Classic worldwide localities

Dundas, Tasmania
Barberton, South Africa
Quebec, Canada
Kettle River, Washington

Field-hunting tip

Look in serpentinite bodies country, the host setting where stichtite typically forms. If you start seeing serpentine, chromite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, micaceous, foliated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify stichtite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include lilac, purple, pink, violet.

Where is stichtite found?+

Notable localities include Dundas, Tasmania; Barberton, South Africa; Quebec, Canada; Kettle River, Washington.

How much is stichtite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 per specimen depending on quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like stichtite?+

Stichtite is most often confused with Lepidolite, Sugilite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with stichtite?+

Stichtite commonly co-occurs with Serpentine, Chromite, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does stichtite form in?+

Stichtite typically forms in serpentinite bodies. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is stichtite used for?+

Stichtite is used in collector, lapidary, decorative.

Find stichtite on the map

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