Bario-olgite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral found primarily in alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. It typically forms small, colorless tabular crystals and is distinguished from related species like olgite by its higher barium content.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareOlgite Group family

Bario-olgite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this bario-olgite?

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 bario-olgite with a known reference. Bario-olgite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, 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: light green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic, pyramidal.

Often confused with

Bario-olgite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside bario-olgite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Na₁.₁Sr₀.₈Ce₀.₁)Ba(PO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 3.986 g/cm³
Colors: Light green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic, pyramidal
Cleavage: Imperfect on (00l) and (hk0)
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A late-stage crystallization product of a dry melt supersaturated in Na and F at temperatures of 300-350° C

Where rockhounds find bario-olgite

Classic worldwide localities

Palitra (Palette) pegmatite, Mt. Kedykverpakhk, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A late-stage crystallization product of a dry melt supersaturated in Na and F at temperatures of 300-350° C. If you start seeing intermixed with manaksite, natrosilite, villiaumite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, pyramidal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bario-olgite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include light green.

Where is bario-olgite found?+

Notable localities include Palitra (Palette) pegmatite, Mt. Kedykverpakhk, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like bario-olgite?+

Bario-olgite is most often confused with Olgite, Apatite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bario-olgite?+

Bario-olgite commonly co-occurs with Intermixed with manaksite, Natrosilite, Villiaumite, Also aegirine, Analcime, Chkalovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bario-olgite form in?+

Where it forms: A late-stage crystallization product of a dry melt supersaturated in Na and F at temperatures of 300-350° C. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bario-olgite used for?+

Bario-olgite is used in collector.

Find bario-olgite on the map

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