Baratovite is a very rare phyllosilicate mineral primarily known from the alkaline pegmatites of the Dara-i-Pioz massif. It typically forms thin, white to pale pink platy or lamellar crystals that display a distinct pearly luster.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Baratovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this baratovite?

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 baratovite with a known reference. Baratovite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Baratovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Baratovite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, lamellar aggregates.

Often confused with

Baratovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Miserite

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Baratovite and vitreous to pearly on Miserite.

Often found alongside baratovite

Minerals reported to co-occur with baratovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: KLi₃Ca₇Ti₂Si₁₂O₃₆F₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.86 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Lamellar Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find baratovite

Classic worldwide localities

Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where baratovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, fluorite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, lamellar aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify baratovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale pink.

Where is baratovite found?+

Notable localities include Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan.

How much is baratovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like baratovite?+

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

What minerals are found with baratovite?+

Baratovite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Fluorite, Quartz, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does baratovite form in?+

Baratovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is baratovite used for?+

Baratovite is used in collector.

Find baratovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.