Burovaite-Ca is a rare member of the labuntsovite group found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, white prismatic crystals or radial clusters, often associated with other rare alkaline minerals in the Kola Peninsula.
Is this burovaite-ca?
4-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 burovaite-ca with a known reference. Burovaite-Ca sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Burovaite-Ca vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside burovaite-ca
Minerals reported to co-occur with burovaite-ca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca,K)₄(Ti,Nb)₈(Si₄O₁₂)₄(O,OH)₈·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.73 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals, radial aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In cavities in microcline in the hydrothermal zone of aegirine-microcline pegmatite
Where rockhounds find burovaite-ca
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Khibinpakhkchorr, Khibiny pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In cavities in microcline in the hydrothermal zone of aegirine-microcline pegmatite. If you start seeing labuntsovite-mn, lemmleynite-ba, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify burovaite-ca?+
Where is burovaite-ca found?+
What rocks look like burovaite-ca?+
What minerals are found with burovaite-ca?+
What kind of rock does burovaite-ca form in?+
What is burovaite-ca used for?+
Find burovaite-ca on the map
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