Laachite is a calcium manganese zirconium oxide, typically deep brownish red. It occurs in vesicular sanidinite volcanic ejectum. It was first described from the "Zieglowski" pumice quarry, Eifel volcanic region, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.
Is this laachite?
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 laachite with a known reference. Laachite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laachite leaves a brownish red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Laachite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: deep brownish red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Laachite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Laachite leaves brownish red, Quartz leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Laachite and vitreous on Quartz.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Laachite leaves brownish red, Chalcedony leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Laachite and waxy on Chalcedony.
Often found alongside laachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with laachite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Mn)₂Zr₂Nb₂TiFeO₁₄
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 5.417 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish Red
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find laachite
Classic worldwide localities
- "Zieglowski" pumice quarry, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites country, the host setting where laachite typically forms. If you start seeing feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify laachite?+
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Find laachite on the map
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