Labyrinthite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found primarily in alkaline igneous environments like the Mont Saint-Hilaire complex. It is characterized by its distinct tabular crystal form and pinkish-brown coloration, often occurring within complex silicate pegmatites.
Is this labyrinthite?
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 labyrinthite with a known reference. Labyrinthite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: vivid pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Labyrinthite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside labyrinthite
Minerals reported to co-occur with labyrinthite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K,Sr)₃₅Ca₁₂Fe₃Zr₆TiSi₅₁O₁₄₄(O,OH,H₂O)₉Cl₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Vivid pink
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late-stage pegmatitic mineral in an alkaline igneous complex
Where rockhounds find labyrinthite
Classic worldwide localities
- Eveslogchorr Mountain, Khibiny alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late-stage pegmatitic mineral in an alkaline igneous complex. If you start seeing k-feldspar, sodalite, alkali amphiboles in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify labyrinthite?+
Where is labyrinthite found?+
What rocks look like labyrinthite?+
What minerals are found with labyrinthite?+
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Find labyrinthite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
