Titanoholtite is a rare member of the dumortierite supergroup characterized by its significant titanium content. It typically occurs as slender, acicular crystals or fibrous masses in boron-rich geological environments. Because it is visually similar to dumortierite and holtite, chemical analysis is often required for definitive identification.
Is this titanoholtite?
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 titanoholtite with a known reference. Titanoholtite 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. Titanoholtite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Titanoholtite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates, acicular crystals.
Often confused with
Titanoholtite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside titanoholtite
Minerals reported to co-occur with titanoholtite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Al,Ti,☐)₇(BO₃)(SiO₄)₃O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 7-8
- Density
- 3.37-3.41 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous Aggregates, Acicular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites, High-grade Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find titanoholtite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kurnakovite deposit, Inder Boron District, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites, high-grade metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where titanoholtite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, tourmaline, topaz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous aggregates, acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify titanoholtite?+
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How much is titanoholtite worth?+
What rocks look like titanoholtite?+
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Find titanoholtite on the map
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