Gurimite is a rare barium vanadate that forms colorless thin elongate crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2013. It was first described from Found at the Gurim Anticline, near Arad, and at Zuk Tamrur, Negev Desert, Israel.
Is this gurimite?
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 gurimite with a known reference. Gurimite 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. Gurimite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gurimite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: thin elongate crystals.
Often confused with
Gurimite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside gurimite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gurimite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₃(VO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.044 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Thin Elongate Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find gurimite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gurim anticline, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where gurimite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, baryte, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a thin elongate crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify gurimite?+
Where is gurimite found?+
What rocks look like gurimite?+
What minerals are found with gurimite?+
What kind of rock does gurimite form in?+
What is gurimite used for?+
Find gurimite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
