Barytolamprophyllite is a rare member of the lamprophyllite group characterized by a high barium content substituting for strontium. It is typically found as thin, metallic-pearly, golden-brown blades within alkaline igneous rock complexes. Collectors primarily look for these distinct blades in association with other rare alkaline minerals in syenite pegmatites.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light brown

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrareLamprophyllite Group family

Barytolamprophyllite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light brown
Transparency: Semitransparent

No image

Is this barytolamprophyllite?

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 barytolamprophyllite with a known reference. Barytolamprophyllite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light brown.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: golden brown, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: flakes, stellate.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Lamprophyllite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barytolamprophyllite leaves light brown, Lamprophyllite leaves pale yellow, may have an orange tint; luster reads vitreous on Barytolamprophyllite and submetallic on cleavages on Lamprophyllite.

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Often found alongside barytolamprophyllite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (BaK)Ti₂Na₃Ti(Si₂O₇)₂O₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.62-3.66 g/cm³
Colors: Golden brown Dark brown
Streak: Light brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Flakes, stellate
Cleavage: Perfect on {100}, less so on {011}, imperfect on {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: In ijolite (Lovozero massif, Russia)

Where rockhounds find barytolamprophyllite

Classic worldwide localities

Coyote Peak, near Orick, Humboldt Co., California, USA
Mts. Kukisvumchorr, Rasvumchorr, and Koashva, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, and in the Murun massif, southwest of Olekminsk, Yakutia, Russia
Kahlenberg, Graulai, and Üdersdorf, Eifel district, Germany
Gardiner complex, beyond the head of Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In ijolite (Lovozero massif, Russia). If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, potassic feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: flakes, stellate. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barytolamprophyllite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is light brown. Common colors include golden brown, dark brown.

Where is barytolamprophyllite found?+

Notable localities include Coyote Peak, near Orick, Humboldt Co., California, USA; Mts. Kukisvumchorr, Rasvumchorr, and Koashva, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, and in the Murun massif, southwest of Olekminsk, Yakutia, Russia; Kahlenberg, Graulai, and Üdersdorf, Eifel district, Germany; Gardiner complex, beyond the head of Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord, Greenland.

What rocks look like barytolamprophyllite?+

Barytolamprophyllite is most often confused with Lamprophyllite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with barytolamprophyllite?+

Barytolamprophyllite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Potassic feldspar, Cancrinite, Apatite, Amphibole. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barytolamprophyllite form in?+

Where it forms: In ijolite (Lovozero massif, Russia). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barytolamprophyllite used for?+

Barytolamprophyllite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find barytolamprophyllite on the map

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