Irtyshite is an extremely rare tantalum-titanium mineral originally discovered in the Altai Mountains. It typically occurs as small, transparent tabular crystals associated with pegmatite minerals like albite and muscovite. Due to its extreme rarity, it is almost exclusively held by advanced scientific collections or specialized mineral enthusiasts.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Irtyshite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this irtyshite?

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 irtyshite with a known reference. Irtyshite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Irtyshite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Irtyshite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often found alongside irtyshite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ta₂Ti₂O₁₀
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.46 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: very expensive, strictly for advanced mineral collectors

Where rockhounds find irtyshite

Classic worldwide localities

Irtysh River, Altai Mountains, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where irtyshite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, quartz 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 irtyshite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, yellow.

Where is irtyshite found?+

Notable localities include Irtysh River, Altai Mountains, Kazakhstan.

How much is irtyshite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of very expensive, strictly for advanced mineral collectors. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with irtyshite?+

Irtyshite commonly co-occurs with albite, microcline, quartz, muscovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does irtyshite form in?+

Irtyshite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is irtyshite used for?+

Irtyshite is used in collector.

Find irtyshite on the map

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