Trilithionite is a lithium-rich mica belonging to the lepidolite series. It occurs primarily in complex pegmatites and is often visually indistinguishable from other lepidolite-group micas without chemical analysis, typically presenting as small, scaly, micaceous plates.
Is this trilithionite?
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 trilithionite with a known reference. Trilithionite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Trilithionite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Trilithionite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, violet, purple, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, scaly aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Trilithionite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside trilithionite
Minerals reported to co-occur with trilithionite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KLi₂Al(AlSi₃)O₁₀(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Scaly Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find trilithionite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf, Germany
- Varuträsk, Sweden
- Tanco Mine, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where trilithionite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, scaly aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify trilithionite?+
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How much is trilithionite worth?+
What rocks look like trilithionite?+
What minerals are found with trilithionite?+
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Find trilithionite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
