Flamite is an extremely rare calcium silicate mineral primarily found in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Eifel volcanic region in Germany. It occurs within inclusions of sedimentary rocks that have been partially melted and recrystallized by contact with magma, often appearing as small, glassy patches or rare prismatic crystals.
Is this flamite?
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 flamite with a known reference. Flamite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Flamite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Flamite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: rarely forms crystals, usually as inclusions or crusts.
Often confused with
Flamite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside flamite
Minerals reported to co-occur with flamite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.2-2.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Rarely Forms Crystals, Usually as Inclusions or Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks in Volcanic Ejecta
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find flamite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bellerberg Volcano, Germany
- Eifel Mountains, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks in volcanic ejecta country — that is the host setting where flamite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, portlandite, afwillite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rarely forms crystals, usually as inclusions or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify flamite?+
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Find flamite on the map
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