How do I identify Pabstite?

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

What color is Pabstite?

Pabstite typically appears in Colourless, white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Pabstite?

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

Pabstite

A variety of Minerals

What is Pabstite?

Pabstite is a barium tin titanium silicate mineral that is found in contact metamorphosed limestone. It belongs to the benitoite group of minerals. The chemical formula of pabstite is Ba(Sn,Ti)Si3O9. It is found in Santa Cruz, California. The crystal system of the mineral is hexagonal.

Pabstite Market Value Calculator

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

Pabstite Localities Map

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

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Pabstite

Finding pabstite in the field is hard and rare. When using a shortwave ultraviolet light, bluish white fluorescence is revealed from the specimens. This property is commonly used to identify pabstite. Pabstite is colorless to white. The diameter of pabstite grains is usually less than 2 mm and they contain minute fluid and solid inclusions. Its hardness is 6 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Its density is 4.03 g/cm and it is uniaxial. The interference colors of pabstite are anomalous blue-violet and golden yellow. The refractive indices of pabstite are ω = 1.685±0.002 and ε = 1.674±0.002 which result in low birefringence and absent dichroism.

Composition of Pabstite

Pabstite is 37.7% SiO2, 3.8% TiO2, 24.4% SnO2 and 33.2% BaO. However, Ti and Sn could vary from point to point by approximately ±0.5% TiO2 and ±1% SnO2. Pabstite is a tin bearing analog of benitoite. Although, (Sn = 0.71 Å) and (Ti= 0.68Å) have similar charge and ionic size, it is uncommon to find them substituting each other.