Sharyginite is an extremely rare calcium-titanium-iron oxide found primarily in pyrometamorphic complexes where limestone and bituminous rocks have interacted. It typically occurs as small, dark, anhedral grains within mineral-rich high-temperature metamorphic assemblages. Due to its discovery in specific, restricted geologic environments like the Hatrurim Formation, it is primarily a target for advanced mineralogists and systematic collection.
Is this sharyginite?
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 sharyginite with a known reference. Sharyginite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sharyginite leaves a brownish black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sharyginite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Sharyginite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sharyginite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sharyginite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄TiFe₂O₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brownish Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find sharyginite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
- Buhovo, Bulgaria
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where sharyginite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, portlandite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sharyginite?+
Where is sharyginite found?+
How much is sharyginite worth?+
What rocks look like sharyginite?+
What minerals are found with sharyginite?+
What kind of rock does sharyginite form in?+
What is sharyginite used for?+
Find sharyginite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
