Georgbarsanovite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found primarily in the agpaitic alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as yellowish to brownish tabular crystals or massive grains within nepheline syenites and is highly prized by collectors for its complex chemical structure.
Is this georgbarsanovite?
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 georgbarsanovite with a known reference. Georgbarsanovite sits at Mohs 5, 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: yellowish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: aggregates.
Often confused with
Georgbarsanovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside georgbarsanovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with georgbarsanovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₂(Mn,Sr,REE)₃Ca₆Fe₃Zr₃NbSi₂₅O₇₆Cl₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.05 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late stage reaction product in nepheline-feldspar pegmatite associated with an alkaline massif
Where rockhounds find georgbarsanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Upper reaches of the Petreliusa River valley, Khibiny alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late stage reaction product in nepheline-feldspar pegmatite associated with an alkaline massif. If you start seeing eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify georgbarsanovite?+
Where is georgbarsanovite found?+
Is georgbarsanovite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like georgbarsanovite?+
What minerals are found with georgbarsanovite?+
What kind of rock does georgbarsanovite form in?+
What is georgbarsanovite used for?+
Find georgbarsanovite on the map
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