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, so 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, so 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, 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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