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, 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.