Nabaphite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, cubic crystals in alkaline igneous environments. It is primarily known from the Kola Peninsula in Russia, where it occurs within hyperagpaitic pegmatites associated with other sodium-rich minerals.
Is this nabaphite?
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 nabaphite with a known reference. Nabaphite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nabaphite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nabaphite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: equant crystals.
Often confused with
Nabaphite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nabaphite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nabaphite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃BaPO₄F
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.33 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Equant Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find nabaphite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nabaphite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nabaphite on the map
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