Gittinsite is a rare calcium zirconium silicate typically found as small, thin platy crystals in peralkaline pegmatites. Collectors look for its occurrence in complex mineral assemblages, often associated with other rare-earth and zirconium-rich minerals in hyper-alkaline environments.
Is this gittinsite?
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 gittinsite with a known reference. Gittinsite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gittinsite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gittinsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Gittinsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside gittinsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gittinsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaZrSi₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Peralkaline Granitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance
Where rockhounds find gittinsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Strange Lake, Quebec, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mount St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in peralkaline granitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where gittinsite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify gittinsite?+
Where is gittinsite found?+
How much is gittinsite worth?+
What rocks look like gittinsite?+
What minerals are found with gittinsite?+
What kind of rock does gittinsite form in?+
What is gittinsite used for?+
Find gittinsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
