Vitimite is a rare yellow variety of tourmaline first identified in the Vitim River region of Russia. It typically occurs as elongated prismatic crystals within pegmatite pockets, prized by collectors for its unique coloration and relative scarcity.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Vitimite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this vitimite?

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 vitimite with a known reference. Vitimite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vitimite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vitimite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside vitimite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Mg,Fe,Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find vitimite

Classic worldwide localities

Vitim River, Siberia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where vitimite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vitimite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is vitimite found?+

Notable localities include Vitim River, Siberia, Russia.

How much is vitimite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like vitimite?+

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

What minerals are found with vitimite?+

Vitimite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vitimite form in?+

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

What is vitimite used for?+

Vitimite is used in collector.

Find vitimite on the map

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