Silicocarnotite is a rare phosphate-silicate mineral member of the apatite group. It is primarily found in high-temperature geological environments such as combustion metamorphic complexes or specific alkaline igneous settings, often appearing as small, transparent tabular crystals.
Is this silicocarnotite?
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 silicocarnotite with a known reference. Silicocarnotite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Silicocarnotite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Silicocarnotite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Silicocarnotite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside silicocarnotite
Minerals reported to co-occur with silicocarnotite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅(PO₄)₂(SiO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.36 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks Formed By High-temperature Combustion, Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find silicocarnotite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
- Bellerberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks formed by high-temperature combustion, alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where silicocarnotite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorapatite, rankinite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify silicocarnotite?+
Where is silicocarnotite found?+
How much is silicocarnotite worth?+
What rocks look like silicocarnotite?+
What minerals are found with silicocarnotite?+
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Find silicocarnotite on the map
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