Batagayite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral discovered at the Batagay deposit in Russia. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or radiating aggregates associated with hydrothermal sulfide mineralization. Due to its scarcity, it is almost exclusively found in advanced mineral collections rather than the general market.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Batagayite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this batagayite?

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 batagayite with a known reference. Batagayite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Batagayite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Batagayite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside batagayite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZn₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)₄
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Polymetallic Deposits
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find batagayite

Classic worldwide localities

Batagay deposit, Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in polymetallic deposits country — that is the host setting where batagayite typically forms. If you start seeing sphalerite, siderite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify batagayite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is batagayite found?+

Notable localities include Batagay deposit, Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is batagayite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like batagayite?+

Batagayite is most often confused with Hopeite, Parahopeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with batagayite?+

Batagayite commonly co-occurs with sphalerite, siderite, quartz, galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does batagayite form in?+

Batagayite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in polymetallic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is batagayite used for?+

Batagayite is used in collector.

Find batagayite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.