Biachellaite is a rare member of the cancrinite group typically found as prismatic crystals in volcanic ejecta blocks. It is structurally complex and usually identified through micro-analysis, often appearing as tiny, clear to pale blue inclusions within host rock matrices.
Is this biachellaite?
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 biachellaite with a known reference. Biachellaite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Biachellaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Biachellaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Biachellaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside biachellaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with biachellaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,K)₈(Si₆Al₆O₂₄)(SO₄,S,Cl)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.35 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {1010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Ejecta
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find biachellaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Italy
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic ejecta country, the host setting where biachellaite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, sanidine, augite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find biachellaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
