Lemmleinite-Ba is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the labuntsovite group, typically occurring as small, honey-yellow to brownish prismatic crystals. It is primarily found in complex alkaline pegmatites where it forms as a late-stage crystallization product. Collectors prize it for its association with rare mineral suites found in sites like the Kola Peninsula and Mont Saint-Hilaire.
Is this lemmleinite-ba?
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 lemmleinite-ba with a known reference. Lemmleinite-Ba 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. Lemmleinite-Ba leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lemmleinite-Ba typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, blocky.
Often confused with
Lemmleinite-Ba vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lemmleinite-ba
Minerals reported to co-occur with lemmleinite-ba. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ba,K,Na,[])₃(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Blocky
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites, Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find lemmleinite-ba
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites, syenites country — that is the host setting where lemmleinite-ba typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, blocky habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lemmleinite-ba?+
Where is lemmleinite-ba found?+
How much is lemmleinite-ba worth?+
What rocks look like lemmleinite-ba?+
What minerals are found with lemmleinite-ba?+
What kind of rock does lemmleinite-ba form in?+
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Find lemmleinite-ba on the map
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