Batisivite is a rare titanium-bearing silicate mineral belonging to the lamprophyllite group. Collectors can identify it by its distinct acicular or radiating crystal habits and its association with alkaline pegmatites, typically found in the Khibiny Massif of Russia.
Is this batisivite?
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 batisivite with a known reference. Batisivite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Batisivite leaves a light brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Batisivite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Batisivite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Batisivite leaves light brown, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Batisivite leaves light brown, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Batisivite and pearly on Barytolamprophyllite.
Often found alongside batisivite
Minerals reported to co-occur with batisivite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Mg₃Ti[Si₂O₇]₂O₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.53 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites in Alkaline Igneous Massifs
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find batisivite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites in alkaline igneous massifs country — that is the host setting where batisivite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, kalsilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find batisivite on the map
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