Labuntsovite-Mg is a rare member of the complex Labuntsovite mineral group found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. Collectors typically look for its distinct, small, honey-yellow to brownish prismatic crystals occurring within vugs or cavities of igneous rocks.
Is this labuntsovite-mg?
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 labuntsovite-mg with a known reference. Labuntsovite-Mg 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. Labuntsovite-Mg leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Labuntsovite-Mg typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, spray-like aggregates, dipyramidal.
Often confused with
Labuntsovite-Mg vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside labuntsovite-mg
Minerals reported to co-occur with labuntsovite-mg. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Ba,Na,H₂O)₄(Ti,Nb)₈(Si₄O₁₂)₄(O,OH)₈·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Spray-like Aggregates, Dipyramidal
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find labuntsovite-mg
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where labuntsovite-mg typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, spray-like aggregates, dipyramidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify labuntsovite-mg?+
Where is labuntsovite-mg found?+
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What rocks look like labuntsovite-mg?+
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Find labuntsovite-mg on the map
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