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 — that is 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.