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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Translucent to transparent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Labuntsovite-Mg

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent to transparent

Is this labuntsovite-mg?

4-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 labuntsovite-mg with a known reference. Labuntsovite-Mg sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, yellowish white, pink, light orange.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, prismatic, radial.

Often confused with

Labuntsovite-Mg vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Leucosphenite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 5).

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Labuntsovite-Mg and silky, vitreous to waxy or dull on Elpidite.

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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: Na₄K₄Mg₂Ti₈O₄(Si₄O₁₂)₄(OH)₄·10-12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Yellowish white Pink Light orange
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent to transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, prismatic, radial
Cleavage: Imperfect on {001} and another plane
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: In cavities within dolomitic carbonatite in an alkaline massif

Where rockhounds find labuntsovite-mg

Classic worldwide localities

Kovdor ultramafic alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In cavities within dolomitic carbonatite in an alkaline massif. If you start seeing catapleiite, anatase, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, prismatic, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify labuntsovite-mg?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include colorless, yellowish white, pink, light orange.

Where is labuntsovite-mg found?+

Notable localities include Kovdor ultramafic alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like labuntsovite-mg?+

Labuntsovite-Mg is most often confused with Nenadkevichite, Leucosphenite, Elpidite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with labuntsovite-mg?+

Labuntsovite-Mg commonly co-occurs with Catapleiite, Anatase, Pyrite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does labuntsovite-mg form in?+

Where it forms: In cavities within dolomitic carbonatite in an alkaline massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is labuntsovite-mg used for?+

Labuntsovite-Mg is used in collector, scientific research.

Find labuntsovite-mg on the map

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