Dzhuluite is an extremely rare tin-bearing garnet discovered in the Dzhulu deposit of the Sakha Republic. It is typically found as small, dark brown to black dodecahedral crystals associated with skarn minerals in contact metamorphic zones.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Dzhuluite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this dzhuluite?

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 dzhuluite with a known reference. Dzhuluite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dzhuluite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dzhuluite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside dzhuluite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Sn₂Fe₂³⁺SiO₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find dzhuluite

Classic worldwide localities

Dzhulu, Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where dzhuluite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, vesuvianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dzhuluite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is dzhuluite found?+

Notable localities include Dzhulu, Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is dzhuluite 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 dzhuluite?+

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

What minerals are found with dzhuluite?+

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

What kind of rock does dzhuluite form in?+

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

What is dzhuluite used for?+

Dzhuluite is used in collector.

Find dzhuluite on the map

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