Bakhchisaraitsevite is a rare hydrated phosphate mineral first discovered in the Kovdor alkaline complex of Russia. It typically appears as small, colorless to pale yellow tabular crystals formed in the cavities of magnetite-apatite ores. Collectors value it as a specialized phosphate species often associated with other rare pegmatitic or alkaline-hosted minerals.
Is this bakhchisaraitsevite?
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 bakhchisaraitsevite with a known reference. Bakhchisaraitsevite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bakhchisaraitsevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bakhchisaraitsevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Bakhchisaraitsevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bakhchisaraitsevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bakhchisaraitsevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Mg(PO₄)(OH)·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.22 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find bakhchisaraitsevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where bakhchisaraitsevite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, forsterite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bakhchisaraitsevite on the map
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