Bariosincosite is a very rare barium-vanadium phosphate mineral occurring as small, vibrant green tabular crystals. It is primarily found in association with secondary vanadium mineralization within sedimentary deposits and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this bariosincosite?
5-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 bariosincosite with a known reference. Bariosincosite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bariosincosite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bariosincosite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, pale green, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Bariosincosite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Bariosincosite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Bariosincosite leaves white, Sincosite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Bariosincosite and pearly on Sincosite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Bariosincosite and waxy on Variscite.
Often found alongside bariosincosite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bariosincosite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaV₂O₂(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find bariosincosite
Classic worldwide localities
- Republic Mine, Montana, USA
- Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where bariosincosite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, barite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bariosincosite?+
Where is bariosincosite found?+
How much is bariosincosite worth?+
What rocks look like bariosincosite?+
What minerals are found with bariosincosite?+
What kind of rock does bariosincosite form in?+
What is bariosincosite used for?+
Find bariosincosite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
