Argutite is a rare germanium oxide mineral primarily found at the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, black, sub-metallic crusts or microcrystalline aggregates associated with other germanium-bearing sulfides and oxides.
Is this argutite?
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 argutite with a known reference. Argutite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Argutite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Argutite typically shows a sub-metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Argutite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Argutite leaves black, Rutile leaves pale brown to yellow; luster reads sub-metallic on Argutite and metallic to adamantine on Rutile.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Argutite leaves black, Cassiterite leaves white; luster reads sub-metallic on Argutite and adamantine on Cassiterite.
Often found alongside argutite
Minerals reported to co-occur with argutite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- GeO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 6.8-6.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Sub-metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find argutite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where argutite typically forms. If you start seeing germanite, tsumebite, renierite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find argutite on the map
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