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, 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.