Calcioburbankite is a rare carbonate mineral belonging to the burbankite group, typically occurring as small hexagonal prisms. It is primarily found in highly evolved alkaline rock complexes and is highly valued by mineral collectors for its complexity and rarity. Identification usually requires X-ray diffraction due to its physical similarity to other members of the burbankite series.
Is this calcioburbankite?
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 calcioburbankite with a known reference. Calcioburbankite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calcioburbankite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calcioburbankite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Calcioburbankite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside calcioburbankite
Minerals reported to co-occur with calcioburbankite. 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,Ca,Ce)₃(CO₃)₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find calcioburbankite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where calcioburbankite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, albite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify calcioburbankite?+
Where is calcioburbankite found?+
How much is calcioburbankite worth?+
What rocks look like calcioburbankite?+
What minerals are found with calcioburbankite?+
What kind of rock does calcioburbankite form in?+
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Find calcioburbankite on the map
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