Garutiite is an extremely rare nickel-iron-iridium alloy found primarily within ophiolitic chromitite complexes. Because it typically occurs as microscopic grains or inclusions within other platinum-group minerals, it is almost exclusively a specimen for advanced micromount collectors and researchers.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlatinum Group family

Garutiite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this garutiite?

4-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch garutiite with a known reference. Garutiite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, gray-black.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains and inclusions.

Often confused with

Garutiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside garutiite

Minerals reported to co-occur with garutiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ni,Fe,Ir)
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 11.33 g/cm³
Colors: White GrayGray-black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic grains and inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: Of probable secondary origin, formed at low temperatures during post-magmatic processes, such as serpentinization and/or lateritization

Where rockhounds find garutiite

Classic worldwide localities

Loma Peguera, Dominican Republic

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Of probable secondary origin, formed at low temperatures during post-magmatic processes, such as serpentinization and/or lateritization. If you start seeing hexaferrum, ferrian chromite, chlorite-group minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic grains and inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify garutiite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include white, gray, gray-black.

Where is garutiite found?+

Notable localities include Loma Peguera, Dominican Republic.

Is garutiite safe to handle?+

Garutiite contains nickel. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like garutiite?+

Garutiite is most often confused with Native Iron, Platinum. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with garutiite?+

Garutiite commonly co-occurs with Hexaferrum, Ferrian chromite, Chlorite-group minerals, Serpentine-group minerals, Awaruite, Irarsite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does garutiite form in?+

Where it forms: Of probable secondary origin, formed at low temperatures during post-magmatic processes, such as serpentinization and/or lateritization. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is garutiite used for?+

Garutiite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find garutiite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.