Toturite is a rare tin-bearing garnet species characterized by its dark, often opaque to translucent appearance. It is typically found in skarn deposits, forming small, well-defined dodecahedral crystals associated with iron-rich minerals.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Subadamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Toturite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Subadamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this toturite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch toturite with a known reference. Toturite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Toturite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Toturite typically shows a subadamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Toturite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Andradite

Mohs 6.5-7.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads subadamantine on Toturite and vitreous on Andradite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads subadamantine on Toturite and vitreous on Schorlomite.

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Often found alongside toturite

Minerals reported to co-occur with toturite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Sn₂Fe₂SiO₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Subadamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find toturite

Classic worldwide localities

Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where toturite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, magnetite, pyroxene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify toturite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a subadamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is toturite found?+

Notable localities include Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is toturite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like toturite?+

Toturite is most often confused with Andradite, Schorlomite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with toturite?+

Toturite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Magnetite, Pyroxene. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does toturite form in?+

Toturite typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is toturite used for?+

Toturite is used in collector.

Find toturite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.