Kukharenkoite-(La) is a rare barium-lanthanum carbonate mineral found in hyperalkaline igneous complexes. It typically presents as small, honey-brown tabular crystals and is best identified through its association with other rare-earth minerals in alkaline pegmatites.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareKukharenkoite Group family

Kukharenkoite-(La)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kukharenkoite-(la)?

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 kukharenkoite-(la) with a known reference. Kukharenkoite-(La) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kukharenkoite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kukharenkoite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

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: 4.5
Density: 4.58 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-brown Brown Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites and Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kukharenkoite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites and hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where kukharenkoite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kukharenkoite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-brown, brown, yellow.

Where is kukharenkoite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

How much is kukharenkoite-(la) 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.

What rocks look like kukharenkoite-(la)?+

Kukharenkoite-(La) is most often confused with Kukharenkoite-(Ce). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kukharenkoite-(la)?+

Kukharenkoite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Nepheline, Ancylite, Barytocalcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kukharenkoite-(la) form in?+

Kukharenkoite-(La) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kukharenkoite-(la) used for?+

Kukharenkoite-(La) is used in collector.

Find kukharenkoite-(la) on the map

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