Batisivite is a rare barium titanium vanadium silicate that forms black equant to elongate grains. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2006. It was first described from Slyudyanka Complex, southern Baikal region, Russia.
Is this batisivite?
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 batisivite with a known reference. Batisivite sits at Mohs 7-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Batisivite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Batisivite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: equant to elongate grains.
Often confused with
Batisivite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Batisivite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Batisivite leaves black, Lamprophyllite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Batisivite and submetallic on Lamprophyllite.
How to tell apart: Batisivite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Batisivite leaves black, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads resinous on Batisivite and vitreous on Barytolamprophyllite.
Often found alongside batisivite
Minerals reported to co-occur with batisivite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaTi₆(V,Cr)₈(Si₂O₇)O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 4.624 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Elongate Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites in Alkaline Igneous Massifs
Where rockhounds find batisivite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites in alkaline igneous massifs country, the host setting where batisivite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, kalsilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to elongate grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find batisivite on the map
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