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, 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
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Find gittinsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
