Bornemanite is a rare sodium-titanium-niobium silicate phosphate found almost exclusively in the alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as distinct yellow-brown platy crystals or as intergrowths within complex pegmatite zones. Collectors prize it as a rare member of the lamprophyllite group, often requiring mineral analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other complex silicates.
Is this bornemanite?
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 bornemanite with a known reference. Bornemanite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bornemanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bornemanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, golden-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, lath-like aggregates.
Often confused with
Bornemanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bornemanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bornemanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆Ti₂NbSi₄O₁₇(OH,F)·Na₃PO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Lath-like Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites in Alkalic Massifs
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find bornemanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites in alkalic massifs country — that is the host setting where bornemanite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, kalsilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, lath-like aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bornemanite on the map
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