Carbobystrite is a rare member of the cancrinite group, typically found as small, clear prismatic crystals within alkaline rock environments. It is visually similar to other cancrinite-group minerals and is usually identified through its distinct triclinic symmetry and specific chemical analysis. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its occurrence in complex pegmatitic or intrusive complexes.
Is this carbobystrite?
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 carbobystrite with a known reference. Carbobystrite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Carbobystrite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Carbobystrite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7 vs. 5-6).
How to tell apart: Carbobystrite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7 vs. 5.5-6).
How to tell apart: Carbobystrite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7 vs. 6); luster reads vitreous on Carbobystrite and silky to brilliant on {1010}, otherwise vitreous on Microsommite.
Often found alongside carbobystrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with carbobystrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(CO₃)·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.366 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- From zoned hyperagpaitic pegmatite in an ijolite-urtite body near its contact with apatite-nepheline rocks and apparently crystallized from residual peralkaline pegmatite-forming melt or solution
Where rockhounds find carbobystrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Koashva, Khibina alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From zoned hyperagpaitic pegmatite in an ijolite-urtite body near its contact with apatite-nepheline rocks and apparently crystallized from residual peralkaline pegmatite-forming melt or solution. If you start seeing sodalite, megakalsilite, natrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify carbobystrite?+
Where is carbobystrite found?+
What rocks look like carbobystrite?+
What minerals are found with carbobystrite?+
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What is carbobystrite used for?+
Find carbobystrite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
