Buryatite is an extremely rare sulfate-bearing member of the garnet supergroup discovered in the Baikal region of Russia. It typically occurs as small, tabular crystals within skarn deposits and is highly sought after by advanced mineral systematists.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Buryatite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this buryatite?

5-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 buryatite with a known reference. Buryatite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Buryatite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Buryatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often found alongside buryatite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃(Si,Al,S)₃(O,OH)₁₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.89 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: niche collector pricing

Where rockhounds find buryatite

Classic worldwide localities

Buryatia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where buryatite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, diopside 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 buryatite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is buryatite found?+

Notable localities include Buryatia, Russia.

How much is buryatite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of niche collector pricing. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with buryatite?+

Buryatite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Diopside. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does buryatite form in?+

Buryatite typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is buryatite used for?+

Buryatite is used in collector.

Find buryatite on the map

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