Ominelite is a rare member of the sapphirine group, primarily occurring in high-grade metamorphic environments. It is visually similar to sapphirine but distinguished by its distinct chemical composition and specific locality origins. Collectors typically find it as small, dark blue, tabular crystals embedded in metamorphic assemblages.

Hardness

7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSapphirine Group family

Ominelite

Hardness: 7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ominelite?

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 ominelite with a known reference. Ominelite sits at Mohs 7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ominelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ominelite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark blue, blue-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ominelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe²⁺,Mg)₂(Al,Fe³⁺)₄Si₂O₁₀
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Density: 3.55-3.60 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Blue Blue-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: High-grade Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ominelite

Classic worldwide localities

Ominé, Japan
Madagascar
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in high-grade metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where ominelite typically forms. If you start seeing sapphirine, corundum, spinels in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ominelite?+

Mohs hardness is 7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark blue, blue-green.

Where is ominelite found?+

Notable localities include Ominé, Japan; Madagascar; Russia.

How much is ominelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ominelite?+

Ominelite is most often confused with Sapphirine, Kornerupine. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ominelite?+

Ominelite commonly co-occurs with Sapphirine, Corundum, Spinels, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ominelite form in?+

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

What is ominelite used for?+

Ominelite is used in collector, research.

Find ominelite on the map

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