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.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Georgbarsanovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this georgbarsanovite?

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 georgbarsanovite with a known reference. Georgbarsanovite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Georgbarsanovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Georgbarsanovite 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: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

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: Na₁₂Sr₄Ca₂Fe³⁺₃Zr₃NbSi₂₅O₇₃(O,OH,H₂O)₃(Cl,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find georgbarsanovite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify georgbarsanovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is georgbarsanovite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is georgbarsanovite 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.

Is georgbarsanovite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium and small amounts of uranium; store in a closed container and wash hands after handling to prevent ingestion of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like georgbarsanovite?+

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

What minerals are found with georgbarsanovite?+

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

What kind of rock does georgbarsanovite form in?+

Georgbarsanovite typically forms in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is georgbarsanovite used for?+

Georgbarsanovite is used in collector.

Find georgbarsanovite on the map

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