Mineral Guide · Mineral

Holmquistite

Holmquistite is a lithium-rich amphibole from boron- and lithium-bearing pegmatites, often forming blue-green fibrous or prismatic aggregates.

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Crystal structure

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Mineral properties

Formula: Li₂Mg₃Al₂Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Class: Silicates
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Typical colours: blue-green, grey, blue, lavender
Lustre: Pearly, Vitreous
Hardness: 5.50-6.00
Specific gravity: 3.10-3.20
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Prismatic, Radiating
Origin: lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and metasomatic zones around rare-element intrusions

What is Holmquistite?

Holmquistite is a lithium-rich amphibole from boron- and lithium-bearing pegmatites, often forming blue-green fibrous or prismatic aggregates.

Mineralogy and structure

Reference formula: Li₂Mg₃Al₂Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂. Holmquistite has the orthorhombic amphibole structure and is commonly associated with other lithium minerals. Fibrous habit and chemistry are more diagnostic than colour alone. Holmquistite belongs to the silicates and has a orthorhombic crystal system. Typical hardness is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.1–3.2.

Colour and appearance

Typical colours include blue, blue-green, lavender, grey. The usual fibrous, prismatic, radiating habit and vitreous, pearly lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.

Formation and localities

Holmquistite forms in or is associated with lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and metasomatic zones around rare-element intrusions. Important documented localities include Sweden, Madagascar, Brazil, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Collecting and care

Do not disturb fibrous material; avoid cutting or grinding and protect the specimen from impact.

Sources and editorial review

Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026

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