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 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carbobystrite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Carbobystrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Carbobystrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- (Na,Ca)₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(CO₃,SO₄,Cl₂)·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.35 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find carbobystrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif (Russia)
- Kola Peninsula (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where carbobystrite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, forsterite, magnetite 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 carbobystrite on the map
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