Srilankite is an extremely rare oxide mineral initially identified from alluvial gem gravels in Sri Lanka. It typically occurs as small, dark, submetallic grains that are often mistaken for rutile or baddeleyite without analytical testing.
Is this srilankite?
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 srilankite with a known reference. Srilankite sits at Mohs 7-8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Srilankite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Srilankite 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
Srilankite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Srilankite leaves black, Rutile leaves pale brown to yellow; luster reads submetallic on Srilankite and metallic to adamantine on Rutile.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Srilankite leaves black, Baddeleyite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Srilankite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7-8 vs. 5.5-6); streak differs — Srilankite leaves black, Brookite leaves white to yellowish-white.
Often found alongside srilankite
Minerals reported to co-occur with srilankite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ti,Zr)O₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7-8
- Density
- 5.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Gem-bearing Alluvial Gravels
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find srilankite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka
Field-hunting tip
Look in gem-bearing alluvial gravels country — that is the host setting where srilankite typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, spinel, corundum 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
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Find srilankite on the map
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