Kukharenkoite-(La) is a rare barium-lanthanum carbonate mineral found in hyperalkaline igneous complexes. It typically presents as small, white to pale green tabular crystals and is best identified through its association with other rare-earth minerals in alkaline pegmatites.
Is this kukharenkoite-(la)?
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 kukharenkoite-(la) with a known reference. Kukharenkoite-(La) sits at Mohs 4, 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: white, pale leek green, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, lath, prismatic.
Often confused with
Kukharenkoite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kukharenkoite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kukharenkoite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₂La(CO₃)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, lath, prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late hydrothermal mineral in cavities in pegmatite veins cutting an alkaline igneous complex
Where rockhounds find kukharenkoite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Hilairitovoye pegmatite at the Kirovsky mine, Mt. Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late hydrothermal mineral in cavities in pegmatite veins cutting an alkaline igneous complex. If you start seeing microcline, albite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, lath, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kukharenkoite-(la)?+
Where is kukharenkoite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like kukharenkoite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with kukharenkoite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does kukharenkoite-(la) form in?+
What is kukharenkoite-(la) used for?+
Find kukharenkoite-(la) on the map
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