Dusmatovite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral within the milarite group, typically found as small, distinct prismatic crystals. It is best known from the unique alkaline pegmatites of the Dara-i-Pioz massif in Tajikistan. Due to its extreme rarity and very limited type locality, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMilarite Group family

Dusmatovite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this dusmatovite?

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 dusmatovite with a known reference. Dusmatovite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dusmatovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dusmatovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside dusmatovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K(K,□)₂(Mn²⁺,Zn)₅Zn(Si₁₂O₃₀)
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find dusmatovite

Classic worldwide localities

Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where dusmatovite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dusmatovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is dusmatovite found?+

Notable localities include Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan.

How much is dusmatovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like dusmatovite?+

Dusmatovite is most often confused with Milarite, Osumilite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dusmatovite?+

Dusmatovite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Pectolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dusmatovite form in?+

Dusmatovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dusmatovite used for?+

Dusmatovite is used in collector.

Find dusmatovite on the map

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