Bulgakite is a rare lithium calcium sodium silicate that forms brownish orange platy crystals and irregular grains. It occurs in fenitized amphibole-quartz-feldspar rock from a complex alkaline massif. It was first described from the moraine of the Darai-Pioz glacier, Zeravshan, and Alay Ranges, Tajikistan.
Is this bulgakite?
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 bulgakite with a known reference. Bulgakite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bulgakite leaves a pale brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bulgakite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals and irregular grains.
Often confused with
Bulgakite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Eudialyte is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Bulgakite leaves pale brown, Eudialyte leaves white.
How to tell apart: Wadeite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Bulgakite leaves pale brown, Wadeite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Bulgakite and adamantine on Wadeite.
Often found alongside bulgakite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bulgakite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂(Ca,Na)Fe²⁺₇Ti₂(Si₄O₁₂)₂O₂(OH)₄(O,F)(H₂O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.30 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals and Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}, Moderate On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find bulgakite
Classic worldwide localities
- moraine of the Darai-Pioz glacier, and Alay Ranges, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where bulgakite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals and irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bulgakite on the map
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