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.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Bakhchisaraitsevite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this bakhchisaraitsevite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch bakhchisaraitsevite with a known reference. Bakhchisaraitsevite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, yellowish white, greenish white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, bladed, fan shaped.

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: Na₂Mg₅(PO₄)₄·7H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 2.50 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Yellowish white Greenish white
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, bladed, fan shaped
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A hydrothermal mineral in vuggy veins of dolomite carbonatite that cuts forsterite-magnetite ore in an alkaline-ultramafic massif

Where rockhounds find bakhchisaraitsevite

Classic worldwide localities

Zhelezny (Iron) mine, Kovdor massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A hydrothermal mineral in vuggy veins of dolomite carbonatite that cuts forsterite-magnetite ore in an alkaline-ultramafic massif. If you start seeing bobierite, pyrite, collinsite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, bladed, fan shaped. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bakhchisaraitsevite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, yellowish white, greenish white.

Where is bakhchisaraitsevite found?+

Notable localities include Zhelezny (Iron) mine, Kovdor massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like bakhchisaraitsevite?+

Bakhchisaraitsevite is most often confused with Struvite, Newberyite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bakhchisaraitsevite?+

Bakhchisaraitsevite commonly co-occurs with Bobierite, Pyrite, Collinsite, Chlorite, Nastrophite, Juonniite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bakhchisaraitsevite form in?+

Where it forms: A hydrothermal mineral in vuggy veins of dolomite carbonatite that cuts forsterite-magnetite ore in an alkaline-ultramafic massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bakhchisaraitsevite used for?+

Bakhchisaraitsevite is used in collector.

Find bakhchisaraitsevite on the map

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