Belovite-(La) is a rare phosphate mineral member of the apatite group characterized by its high strontium and lanthanum content. It is typically found in alkaline igneous environments, often appearing as small, sharp, transparent to translucent hexagonal prisms.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Belovite-(La)

Hardness: ~5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this belovite-(la)?

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 belovite-(la) with a known reference. Belovite-(La) sits at Mohs ~5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, tabular.

Often confused with

Belovite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Belovite-(La) and resinous on Monazite.

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Often found alongside belovite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaLaSr₃(PO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: ~5
Density: 4.19 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals, tabular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In natrolite veinlets in pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif

Where rockhounds find belovite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Found in the Kirov apatite mine, Mt. Kukisvumchorr, and on Mt. Eveslogchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In natrolite veinlets in pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing gaidonnayite, gerasimovskite, lamprophyllite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify belovite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is ~5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, greenish yellow.

Where is belovite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Found in the Kirov apatite mine, Mt. Kukisvumchorr, and on Mt. Eveslogchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like belovite-(la)?+

Belovite-(La) is most often confused with Apatite, Monazite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with belovite-(la)?+

Belovite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Gaidonnayite, Gerasimovskite, Lamprophyllite, Murmanite, Aegirine, Pectolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does belovite-(la) form in?+

Where it forms: In natrolite veinlets in pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is belovite-(la) used for?+

Belovite-(La) is used in collector.

Find belovite-(la) on the map

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