Galuskinite is a rare calcium silicate carbonate mineral found in high-temperature skarn environments. It is typically identified through its association with other lime-silicate minerals and its distinct X-ray diffraction pattern.
Is this galuskinite?
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 galuskinite with a known reference. Galuskinite 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. Galuskinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Galuskinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Galuskinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside galuskinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with galuskinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₇(SiO₄)₃CO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find galuskinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sakha Republic, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where galuskinite typically forms. If you start seeing wollastonite, calcite, rankinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.





