Taramite is a rare member of the calcic-sodic amphibole group that typically occurs in metamorphic environments. It is most easily identified by its dark, prismatic crystals, though it is visually indistinguishable from other dark amphiboles without professional chemical analysis.
Is this taramite?
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 taramite with a known reference. Taramite 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. Taramite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Taramite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark green, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, fibrous.
Often confused with
Taramite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Taramite leaves white, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Taramite leaves white, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Taramite leaves white, Hastingsite leaves white to light gray.
Often found alongside taramite
Minerals reported to co-occur with taramite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(NaCa)(Mg₃AlFe³⁺)Si₆Al₂O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Fibrous
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Skarns
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find taramite
Classic worldwide localities
- Taram Valley, Slovakia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Pargas, Finland
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, skarns country — that is the host setting where taramite typically forms. If you start seeing biotite, plagioclase, pyroxene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find taramite on the map
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