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
Where rockhounds find galuskinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sakha Republic, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country, 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?+
Where is galuskinite found?+
What rocks look like galuskinite?+
What minerals are found with galuskinite?+
What kind of rock does galuskinite form in?+
What is galuskinite used for?+
Find galuskinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
