Batisite is a rare sodium barium titanosilicate that typically occurs as prismatic crystals or granular masses within alkaline pegmatites. It is most notably associated with the complex mineralogy of the Khibiny and Lovozero massifs in Russia. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical structure and relative scarcity in the global market.
Is this batisite?
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 batisite with a known reference. Batisite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: rose-brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to slightly oily.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown pink, yellow brown, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Batisite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside batisite
Minerals reported to co-occur with batisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂BaTi₂Si₄O₁₂O₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~6
- Density
- 3.432 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Rose-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to slightly oily
- Transparency
- Transparent in thin slivers
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals, massive
- Cleavage
- Fair on {100}, {010}, and {001}; parting on {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In aegirine-arfvedsonite-microcline pegmatites in dunites (Inagli massif, Russia)
Where rockhounds find batisite
Classic worldwide localities
- Inagli massif, 30 km west of Aldan, Russia
- Murun massif, southwest of Olekminsk, Yakutia, Russia
- Mt. Rasvumchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Liley, near Üdersdorf, Graulai, and Altburg, Eifel district, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In aegirine-arfvedsonite-microcline pegmatites in dunites (Inagli massif, Russia). If you start seeing microcline, nepheline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify batisite?+
Where is batisite found?+
What rocks look like batisite?+
What minerals are found with batisite?+
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Find batisite on the map
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