Barwoodite is a rare member of the amphibole supergroup, primarily known from the alkaline complex at Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically forms as dark reddish, prismatic crystals embedded within pegmatite pockets. Collectors prize this species for its distinct chemical composition and rarity in global mineral suites.
Is this barwoodite?
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 barwoodite with a known reference. Barwoodite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barwoodite leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Barwoodite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Barwoodite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Barwoodite leaves yellowish-brown, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
How to tell apart: Barwoodite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3); streak differs — Barwoodite leaves yellowish-brown, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Barwoodite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
Often found alongside barwoodite
Minerals reported to co-occur with barwoodite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNa₂Li(Fe²⁺₃Al₂)(Si₆Al₂O₂₂)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find barwoodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where barwoodite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find barwoodite on the map
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