Zoltaiite is an extremely rare lead-barium silicate mineral first discovered in alkaline pegmatites of the Sakha Republic. It typically forms small, black to steel gray tabular crystals that require microscopic examination for positive identification. It is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its restricted type locality.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic to dull

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Zoltaiite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Submetallic to dull
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this zoltaiite?

4-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 zoltaiite with a known reference. Zoltaiite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic to dull.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, steel gray.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: disseminated.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Labuntsovite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic to dull on Zoltaiite and greasy on Labuntsovite.

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Often found alongside zoltaiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaV₂V₁₂Si₂O₂₇
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 4.83 g/cm³
Colors: Black Steel gray
Luster: Submetallic to dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Disseminated
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A metamorphic mineral formed under greenschist-facies P-T conditions

Where rockhounds find zoltaiite

Classic worldwide localities

Wigwam Pb-Zn deposit, Akolkolex River area, southeast of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A metamorphic mineral formed under greenschist-facies P-T conditions. If you start seeing quartz, celsian, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: disseminated. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zoltaiite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. Luster: submetallic to dull. Common colors include black, steel gray.

Where is zoltaiite found?+

Notable localities include Wigwam Pb-Zn deposit, Akolkolex River area, southeast of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada.

Is zoltaiite safe to handle?+

Zoltaiite contains vanadium. Contains lead and barium; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like zoltaiite?+

Zoltaiite is most often confused with Labuntsovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with zoltaiite?+

Zoltaiite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Celsian, Apatite, Sphalerite, Pyrrhotite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zoltaiite form in?+

Where it forms: A metamorphic mineral formed under greenschist-facies P-T conditions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zoltaiite used for?+

Zoltaiite is used in collector.

Find zoltaiite on the map

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