Taramellite is a rare barium iron silicate that typically forms dark brown, elongated prismatic crystals. It is most frequently found in metamorphic environments rich in barium, particularly in skarns and localized hydrothermal occurrences. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and association with other rare barium minerals.
Is this taramellite?
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 taramellite with a known reference. Taramellite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Taramellite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Taramellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish brown, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Taramellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Taramellite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3); streak differs — Taramellite leaves yellowish brown, Fresnoite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Taramellite leaves yellowish brown, Benitoite leaves white.
Often found alongside taramellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with taramellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₄(Fe³⁺,Ti,Fe²⁺)₄(Si₈O₂₄)O₂Clₓ
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Barium-rich Silicate Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find taramellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cava del Prete, Italy
- Rush Creek, USA
- Big Creek, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed barium-rich silicate rocks country — that is the host setting where taramellite typically forms. If you start seeing fresnoite, benitoite, sanbornite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find taramellite on the map
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