Magbasite is a rare potassium-barium iron magnesium silicate primarily found in alkaline pegmatites of the Murun Massif in Siberia. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow to brownish prismatic crystals associated with unique silicate minerals like charoite.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Magbasite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this magbasite?

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 magbasite with a known reference. Magbasite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magbasite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Magbasite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Magbasite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Phlogopite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Magbasite and pearly on Phlogopite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Magbasite and pearly on Biotite.

Compare →

Often found alongside magbasite

Minerals reported to co-occur with magbasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: KBaFeMg₂Si₈O₂₀F₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.11 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find magbasite

Classic worldwide localities

Malyi Murun massif, Russia
Murun Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where magbasite typically forms. If you start seeing charoite, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify magbasite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green, brown.

Where is magbasite found?+

Notable localities include Malyi Murun massif, Russia; Murun Massif, Russia.

How much is magbasite 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 magbasite?+

Magbasite is most often confused with Phlogopite, Biotite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with magbasite?+

Magbasite commonly co-occurs with charoite, aegirine, microcline, titanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does magbasite form in?+

Magbasite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is magbasite used for?+

Magbasite is used in collector.

Find magbasite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.