Cámaraite is a rare mineral belonging to the bafertisite group, primarily discovered in the agpaitic pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. It is typically found as small, thin, platy yellow to brown crystals associated with other alkaline igneous minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBafertisite Group family

Cámaraite

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

No image

Is this cámaraite?

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 cámaraite with a known reference. Cámaraite 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. Cámaraite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cámaraite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bafertisite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cámaraite leaves white, Bafertisite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Cámaraite and pearly on Bafertisite.

Often found alongside cámaraite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₃Fe²⁺₃TiSi₄O₁₄(OH,F)₂Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.75 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find cámaraite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in agpaitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where cámaraite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cámaraite?+

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

Where is cámaraite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is cámaraite 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 cámaraite?+

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

What minerals are found with cámaraite?+

Cámaraite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Microcline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cámaraite form in?+

Cámaraite typically forms in agpaitic pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cámaraite used for?+

Cámaraite is used in collector.

Find cámaraite on the map

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