Hydrokenopyrochlore is a rare antimony sodium niobium oxide that forms tan to beige porous, subhedral octahedral crystals. It occurs in a Li-Cs-Ta-type pegmatite intruded into dolomitic marble. It was first described from the Antandrokomby pegmatite, Vakinankaratra region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar.
Is this hydrokenopyrochlore?
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 hydrokenopyrochlore with a known reference. Hydrokenopyrochlore 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tan, beige.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: porous, subhedral octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Hydrokenopyrochlore vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydrokenopyrochlore
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydrokenopyrochlore. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (☐,Sb³⁺,Na)₂Nb₂O₆·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 5.984 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Porous, subhedral octahedral crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- From a Li-Cs-Ta-type pegmatite intruded into dolomitic marble
Where rockhounds find hydrokenopyrochlore
Classic worldwide localities
- Antandrokomby pegmatite, near Mt. Ibity, southern Sahatany Pegmatite Field, Manandona Valley, Vakinankaratra region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From a Li-Cs-Ta-type pegmatite intruded into dolomitic marble. If you start seeing quartz, orthoclase, li-rich mica in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: porous, subhedral octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydrokenopyrochlore?+
Where is hydrokenopyrochlore found?+
Is hydrokenopyrochlore safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hydrokenopyrochlore?+
What minerals are found with hydrokenopyrochlore?+
What kind of rock does hydrokenopyrochlore form in?+
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Find hydrokenopyrochlore on the map
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