Bykovaite is a rare member of the labuntsovite group found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals with a distinct yellowish-brown hue and is usually found in association with other rare minerals in the Kola Peninsula.
Is this bykovaite?
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 bykovaite with a known reference. Bykovaite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bykovaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bykovaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Bykovaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bykovaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bykovaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba(Na,Ti,Nb,Fe)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH,O)₄·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find bykovaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where bykovaite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, k-feldspar 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 bykovaite on the map
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