Fluoro-taramite is a rare member of the amphibole supergroup, typically occurring as dark, prismatic crystals in alkaline igneous environments. It is primarily identified through specialized chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to more common dark amphiboles like hornblende.
Is this fluoro-taramite?
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 fluoro-taramite with a known reference. Fluoro-taramite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluoro-taramite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluoro-taramite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, fibrous, massive.
Often confused with
Fluoro-taramite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluoro-taramite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluoro-taramite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- {Na}{Ca}{Na}{Mg₃AlFe³⁺}(Al₂Si₆O₂₂)(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Fibrous, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find fluoro-taramite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where fluoro-taramite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluoro-taramite?+
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How much is fluoro-taramite worth?+
What rocks look like fluoro-taramite?+
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Find fluoro-taramite on the map
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