Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) is a rare amphibole group mineral characterized by its distinct barium and sodium composition within its crystal lattice. It is typically found in alkaline igneous complexes, often appearing as dark prismatic crystals within pegmatites or nepheline syenites.
Is this fluorcarmoite-(bana)?
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 fluorcarmoite-(bana) with a known reference. Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) leaves a yellow-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) leaves yellow-orange, Arfvedsonite leaves gray to bluish-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) leaves yellow-orange, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) leaves yellow-orange, Richterite leaves pale yellow.
Often found alongside fluorcarmoite-(bana)
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorcarmoite-(bana). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba☐Na₂Na₂☐CaMg₁₃Al(PO₄)₁₁(PO₃OH)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Where rockhounds find fluorcarmoite-(bana)
Classic worldwide localities
- Riverbed of the upper Maremola Creek, Savona, Liguria, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where fluorcarmoite-(bana) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorcarmoite-(bana)?+
Where is fluorcarmoite-(bana) found?+
What rocks look like fluorcarmoite-(bana)?+
What minerals are found with fluorcarmoite-(bana)?+
What kind of rock does fluorcarmoite-(bana) form in?+
What is fluorcarmoite-(bana) used for?+
Find fluorcarmoite-(bana) on the map
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