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.
Is this barytolamprophyllite?
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 barytolamprophyllite with a known reference. Barytolamprophyllite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barytolamprophyllite leaves a yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Barytolamprophyllite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, golden-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed, tabular, elongated prismatic.
Often confused with
Barytolamprophyllite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- (Sr,Ba)₄Na₃Ti₃Si₄O₁₄(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.55-3.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed, Tabular, Elongated Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find barytolamprophyllite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where barytolamprophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed, tabular, elongated prismatic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify barytolamprophyllite?+
Where is barytolamprophyllite found?+
How much is barytolamprophyllite worth?+
What rocks look like barytolamprophyllite?+
What minerals are found with barytolamprophyllite?+
What kind of rock does barytolamprophyllite form in?+
What is barytolamprophyllite used for?+
Find barytolamprophyllite on the map
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