Garutiite is an extremely rare nickel-iron-iridium alloy found primarily within ophiolitic chromitite complexes. Because it typically occurs as microscopic grains or inclusions within other platinum-group minerals, it is almost exclusively a specimen for advanced micromount collectors and researchers.
Is this garutiite?
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 garutiite with a known reference. Garutiite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Garutiite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Garutiite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains and inclusions.
Often confused with
Garutiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside garutiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with garutiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ni,Fe,Ir)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 12.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Grains and Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Ophiolitic Chromitites
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find garutiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Garuti mine, Greece
- Othrys Ophiolite, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in ophiolitic chromitites country — that is the host setting where garutiite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, chromite, heazlewoodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains and inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify garutiite?+
Where is garutiite found?+
How much is garutiite worth?+
What rocks look like garutiite?+
What minerals are found with garutiite?+
What kind of rock does garutiite form in?+
What is garutiite used for?+
Find garutiite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
