Kukharenkoite-(La) is a rare barium-lanthanum carbonate mineral found in hyperalkaline igneous complexes. It typically presents as small, white to pale green tabular crystals and is best identified through its association with other rare-earth minerals in alkaline pegmatites.
Is this kukharenkoite-(la)?
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 kukharenkoite-(la) with a known reference. Kukharenkoite-(La) sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kukharenkoite-(La) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kukharenkoite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pale green, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Kukharenkoite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kukharenkoite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kukharenkoite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₂La(CO₃)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.58 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Hydrothermal Veins
Where rockhounds find kukharenkoite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where kukharenkoite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kukharenkoite-(la)?+
Where is kukharenkoite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like kukharenkoite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with kukharenkoite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does kukharenkoite-(la) form in?+
What is kukharenkoite-(la) used for?+
Find kukharenkoite-(la) on the map
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