Schiavinatoite is a rare niobium-tantalum borate mineral primarily found in pegmatite deposits. It typically forms small, sharp bipyramidal crystals that are highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors for their scarcity and unique chemical composition.
Is this schiavinatoite?
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 schiavinatoite with a known reference. Schiavinatoite 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. Schiavinatoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schiavinatoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: bipyramidal crystals.
Often confused with
Schiavinatoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside schiavinatoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schiavinatoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Nb,Ta)BO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Bipyramidal Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $200-800 per specimen
Where rockhounds find schiavinatoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Antsongombato, Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where schiavinatoite typically forms. If you start seeing danburite, tourmaline, spodumene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bipyramidal crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify schiavinatoite?+
Where is schiavinatoite found?+
How much is schiavinatoite worth?+
What rocks look like schiavinatoite?+
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Find schiavinatoite on the map
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