Tarbagataite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in alkaline pegmatites. It forms small, tabular, yellow-to-brown crystals often associated with microcline and aegirine in agpaitic environments.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Tarbagataite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this tarbagataite?

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 tarbagataite with a known reference. Tarbagataite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tarbagataite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tarbagataite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside tarbagataite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Na,Sr)₄Zr₂TiSi₈O₂₂F₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.95-3.00 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tarbagataite

Classic worldwide localities

Tarbagatai Mountains, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify tarbagataite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown, brown.

Where is tarbagataite found?+

Notable localities include Tarbagatai Mountains, Kazakhstan.

How much is tarbagataite 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 tarbagataite?+

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

What minerals are found with tarbagataite?+

Tarbagataite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Arfvedsonite, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tarbagataite form in?+

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

What is tarbagataite used for?+

Tarbagataite is used in collector.

Find tarbagataite on the map

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