How do I identify Baotite?

Baotite can be identified by its hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, Light Brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Baotite?

Baotite typically appears in Light Brown, Black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Baotite has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Baotite

A variety of Minerals

What is Baotite?

Baotite Ba4Ti4(Ti, Nb, Fe)4(Si4O12)O16Cl is a rare mineral recognized as having a unique four-fold silicate ring. Crystals are tetragonal, though commonly deformed to the extent of appearing monoclinic. Named for the locality of first discovery, Baotou, China, baotite has been found in hydrothermal veins and alkalic rocks in various locations around the world.

Baotite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Baotite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Baotite Localities Map

See where Baotite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Composition of Baotite

Simonov first determined the crystal structure of baotite in which (Ti, Nb, Fe)-octahedra share edges, forming chains and cross-linking at the corners forming a 4-fold screw axis in the (001); these columns are analogous to those in rutile. Four silicate tetrahedra share corners creating characteristic rings in the plane perpendicular to the c axis. The barium cation is between the rings and rutile columns, while chloride fills the void between each pair of rings. Chlorine's presence is not necessary for the structure to balance electrostatically.