Oxycalciomicrolite is a rare member of the pyrochlore supergroup, typically appearing as small, sharp octahedral crystals in complex granite pegmatites. It is often found associated with other rare-element minerals and is prized primarily by advanced mineral collectors for its complex chemistry and distinct crystal form.
Is this oxycalciomicrolite?
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 oxycalciomicrolite with a known reference. Oxycalciomicrolite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxycalciomicrolite leaves a pale yellow to white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oxycalciomicrolite typically shows a resinous to vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often found alongside oxycalciomicrolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oxycalciomicrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Ta₂O₆O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 5.5-6.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow to White
- Luster
- Resinous to Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find oxycalciomicrolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Russia
- Brazil
- Canada
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where oxycalciomicrolite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, quartz, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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