Gurimite is an extremely rare barium silicate mineral primarily found in the Hatrurim Formation of Israel. It typically occurs as small, pale-colored tabular crystals within contact metamorphic rocks formed by the combustion of organic matter.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBarium Silicate family

Gurimite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this gurimite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch gurimite with a known reference. Gurimite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gurimite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gurimite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Gurimite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside gurimite

Minerals reported to co-occur with gurimite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₄(Si₂O₇)O₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.7 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find gurimite

Classic worldwide localities

Gurim anticline, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where gurimite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, baryte, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gurimite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is gurimite found?+

Notable localities include Gurim anticline, Israel.

How much is gurimite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like gurimite?+

Gurimite is most often confused with Baryte. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with gurimite?+

Gurimite commonly co-occurs with Ettringite, Baryte, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gurimite form in?+

Gurimite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gurimite used for?+

Gurimite is used in collector.

Find gurimite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.