Karupmøllerite-Ca is a complex rare-earth mineral belonging to the Labuntsovite group, typically found in alkaline pegmatites. Collectors usually search for its characteristic yellow to brown prismatic crystals embedded in microcline or associated with other rare alkaline minerals.
Is this karupmøllerite-ca?
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 karupmøllerite-ca with a known reference. Karupmøllerite-Ca 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. Karupmøllerite-Ca leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Karupmøllerite-Ca typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Karupmøllerite-Ca vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside karupmøllerite-ca
Minerals reported to co-occur with karupmøllerite-ca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,K)₄(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH,O)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks and Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find karupmøllerite-ca
Classic worldwide localities
- Narssârssuk pegmatite, Greenland
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites country — that is the host setting where karupmøllerite-ca typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify karupmøllerite-ca?+
Where is karupmøllerite-ca found?+
How much is karupmøllerite-ca worth?+
What rocks look like karupmøllerite-ca?+
What minerals are found with karupmøllerite-ca?+
What kind of rock does karupmøllerite-ca form in?+
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Find karupmøllerite-ca on the map
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