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

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareOlgite Group family

Bario-olgite

Hardness: 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 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bario-olgite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bario-olgite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Olgite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Bario-olgite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 4).

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(Sr,Ba)PO₄
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bario-olgite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where bario-olgite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, kalsilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bario-olgite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is bario-olgite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is bario-olgite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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 Aegirine, Nepheline, Kalsilite, Lamprophyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Bario-olgite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. 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.