Ohmilite is a rare strontium-titanium silicate typically found in the miarolitic cavities of alkaline igneous rocks. It is highly sought after by micromounters for its delicate, tabular crystal clusters which are often associated with rare pegmatite minerals.
Is this ohmilite?
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 ohmilite with a known reference. Ohmilite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ohmilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ohmilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Ohmilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ohmilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ohmilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂SrTiSi₆O₁₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Intrusive Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ohmilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous intrusive complexes country — that is the host setting where ohmilite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ohmilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
