Painite is one of the world's rarest gem minerals, first discovered in the Mogok region of Myanmar. It typically occurs as hexagonal prismatic crystals and is prized by collectors for its extreme scarcity and deep, saturated reddish-brown color.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Painite

Hardness: 8
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this painite?

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 painite with a known reference. Painite sits at Mohs 8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Painite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Painite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish-red, orange-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Painite and adamantine on Zircon.

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Often found alongside painite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZrAl₉O₁₈(BO₃)
Mohs hardness: 8
Density: 4.01 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Red Brownish-red Orange-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Marbles and Skarns
Typical price: $1,000-50,000+ per carat depending on quality

Where rockhounds find painite

Classic worldwide localities

Mogok, Myanmar

Field-hunting tip

Look in marbles and skarns country — that is the host setting where painite typically forms. If you start seeing corundum, spinel, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify painite?+

Mohs hardness is 8. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark red, brownish-red, orange-brown.

Where is painite found?+

Notable localities include Mogok, Myanmar.

How much is painite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $1,000-50,000+ per carat depending on quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like painite?+

Painite is most often confused with Garnet, Tourmaline, Zircon. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with painite?+

Painite commonly co-occurs with Corundum, Spinel, Zircon, Sapphirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does painite form in?+

Painite typically forms in marbles and skarns. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is painite used for?+

Painite is used in collector, gemstone.

Find painite on the map

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