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.

Hardness
5-6
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this galuskinite?

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 galuskinite with a known reference. Galuskinite sits at Mohs 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. Galuskinite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Galuskinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal 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.

Common questions

How do you identify galuskinite?+
Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.
Where is galuskinite found?+
Notable localities include Sakha Republic, Russia.
How much is galuskinite worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like galuskinite?+
Galuskinite is most often confused with Larnite, Tilleyite, Rankinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with galuskinite?+
Galuskinite commonly co-occurs with Wollastonite, Calcite, Rankinite, Tilleyite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does galuskinite form in?+
Galuskinite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is galuskinite used for?+
Galuskinite is used in collector.

Find galuskinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.

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