Hydrokenomicrolite is a rare member of the pyrochlore supergroup characterized by high water content and a vacant A-site in its crystal structure. Collectors typically seek out its distinct octahedral crystals found within complex granitic pegmatites.
Is this hydrokenomicrolite?
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 hydrokenomicrolite with a known reference. Hydrokenomicrolite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydrokenomicrolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydrokenomicrolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often found alongside hydrokenomicrolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydrokenomicrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- □₂Ta₂O₆(H₂O)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 4.5-5.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hydrokenomicrolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- Sweden
- Russia
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where hydrokenomicrolite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, lepidolite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydrokenomicrolite?+
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What minerals are found with hydrokenomicrolite?+
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Find hydrokenomicrolite on the map
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