Baotite
2 in the gallery
Baotite is a mineral in which barium, titanium and niobium combine in a complex silicate framework. It typically forms tabular to prismatic crystals with a vitreous to resinous lustre and a pale to medium-blue green color in many specimens. The mineral’s distinctive composition and crystal habit make it a recognizable addition to fine mineral collections, especially when well-formed crystals show sharp terminations. Classic localities include Pakistan and the United States, where high-quality crystals have drawn the attention of collectors for their size, clarity and unusual chemical makeup.
- Formula
- Ba4(Ti,Nb)8Si4O28Cl
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Cyclosilicate, baotite group; Strunz 9.CE
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- tetragonal
- Mohs hardness
- 5–6
- Specific gravity
- 4.4–4.5
- Luster
- vitreous, adamantine
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- brown, black
- Streak
- white, brown
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, tabular, granular, massive
Where Baotite is found
Top localities
- Zagi Mountain1 specimen
About Baotite
Collectors value baotite for its rarity among barium titanium niobate silicates and for the elegance of its crystal forms. Specimens from notable localities tend to display well-developed faces and a pleasing refractive character that can enhance display pieces. While not one of the most common minerals in collection cabinets, baotite offers a window into the diversity of silicate minerals and the geological environments that concentrate barium together with titanium and niobium.