Titantaramellite is a rare barium-titanium silicate mineral typically occurring as small, brown tabular crystals in metamorphic contact zones. It is closely associated with the unique barium silicate minerals found in the sanbornite deposits of Fresno County, California.
Is this titantaramellite?
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 titantaramellite with a known reference. Titantaramellite 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. Titantaramellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Titantaramellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Titantaramellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside titantaramellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with titantaramellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₄Ti₂Fe₂²⁺Si₈O₂₆(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Sanbornite-bearing Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find titantaramellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Creek, California, USA
- Rush Creek, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed sanbornite-bearing rocks country — that is the host setting where titantaramellite typically forms. If you start seeing fresnoite, sanbornite, walstromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify titantaramellite?+
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Find titantaramellite on the map
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