Burbankite is a complex rare-earth carbonate typically found in alkaline igneous complexes and carbonatites. It is often discovered as hexagonal prismatic crystals or irregular grains, and collectors value it for its distinct orange fluorescence under ultraviolet light. It is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare-earth species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBurbankite Group family

Burbankite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this burbankite?

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 burbankite with a known reference. Burbankite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Burbankite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Burbankite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pink, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, grains, massive.

Often confused with

Burbankite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside burbankite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₃(Sr,Ba,Ce)₃(CO₃)₅
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pink White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Grains, Massive
Cleavage: Poor
Fluorescence: Orange Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal quality

Where rockhounds find burbankite

Classic worldwide localities

Bearpaw Mountains, Montana, USA
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where burbankite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, sodalite, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify burbankite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pink, white, gray.

Where is burbankite found?+

Notable localities include Bearpaw Mountains, Montana, USA; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is burbankite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like burbankite?+

Burbankite is most often confused with Calcite, Ankerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with burbankite?+

Burbankite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Sodalite, Nepheline, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does burbankite form in?+

Burbankite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is burbankite used for?+

Burbankite is used in collector.

Find burbankite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.