Bystrite is a rare member of the cancrinite group, most notable for its intense yellow color and strong fluorescence. It is primarily found in the Lake Baikal region of Russia, occurring as distinct, sometimes transparent prismatic crystals in carbonate-rich metamorphic environments.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Bystrite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this bystrite?

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 bystrite with a known reference. Bystrite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bystrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bystrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bystrite leaves white, Lazurite leaves light blue.

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Often found alongside bystrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(S,SO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metasomatic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bystrite

Classic worldwide localities

Lake Baikal, Russia
Tultuy, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metasomatic rocks country — that is the host setting where bystrite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, phlogopite 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

How do you identify bystrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is bystrite found?+

Notable localities include Lake Baikal, Russia; Tultuy, Russia.

How much is bystrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like bystrite?+

Bystrite is most often confused with Cancrinite, Sodalite, Lazurite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bystrite?+

Bystrite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Phlogopite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bystrite form in?+

Bystrite typically forms in metasomatic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bystrite used for?+

Bystrite is used in collector.

Find bystrite on the map

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