Baotite is a rare barium-titanium silicate mineral typically found in highly evolved alkaline rocks. It is best identified by its distinct tetragonal tabular or prismatic habit and deep amber to brownish coloration within specialized geological environments.
Is this baotite?
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 baotite with a known reference. Baotite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Baotite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Baotite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, often as radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Baotite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside baotite
Minerals reported to co-occur with baotite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₄(Ti,Nb)₈O₁₆(Si₄O₁₂)Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find baotite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and carbonatites country — that is the host setting where baotite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, albite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often as radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find baotite on the map
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