Barioperovskite is a rare member of the perovskite group, occurring primarily as an accessory mineral in alkaline igneous environments. It is most easily identified by its characteristic pseudocubic crystal habit and association with other titanium-bearing minerals in complex igneous intrusions.
Is this barioperovskite?
2-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 barioperovskite with a known reference. Barioperovskite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Barioperovskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside barioperovskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with barioperovskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaTiO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 5.91 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, microscopic crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As inclusions in a benitoite crystal in natrolite veins in blueschist bodies within serpentinite
Where rockhounds find barioperovskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Benitoite Mine (formerly the Dallas Gem Mine), near Santa Rita Peak, New Idria District, San Benito Mountains, San Benito County, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As inclusions in a benitoite crystal in natrolite veins in blueschist bodies within serpentinite. If you start seeing benitoite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify barioperovskite?+
Where is barioperovskite found?+
What rocks look like barioperovskite?+
What minerals are found with barioperovskite?+
What kind of rock does barioperovskite form in?+
What is barioperovskite used for?+
Find barioperovskite on the map
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