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, 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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