Garmite is a rare cesium lithium magnesium silicate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2017. It was first described from Darai-Pioz glacier, Alai mountain range, Tien Shan, Rashtskiy district, Tajikistan.
Is this garmite?
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 garmite with a known reference. Garmite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Garmite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Garmite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often found alongside garmite
Minerals reported to co-occur with garmite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CsLiMg₂(Si₄O₁₀)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find garmite
Classic worldwide localities
- Garma sub-district, Tadzhikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where garmite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify garmite?+
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Find garmite on the map
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