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
- 11.33 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
Where rockhounds find garutiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Garuti mine, Greece
- Othrys Ophiolite, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in ophiolitic chromitites country, 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?+
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What rocks look like garutiite?+
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Find garutiite on the map
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