Addibischoffite is a rare iron-aluminum garnet species occurring in metamorphic environments. It is visually indistinguishable from almandine without advanced analytical techniques like microprobe analysis to confirm its specific composition.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Addibischoffite

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

No image

Is this addibischoffite?

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 addibischoffite with a known reference. Addibischoffite 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. Addibischoffite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Addibischoffite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep red, brownish-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside addibischoffite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₂₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Deep Red Brownish-red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal quality

Where rockhounds find addibischoffite

Classic worldwide localities

Western Australia
Antarctica

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify addibischoffite?+

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

Where is addibischoffite found?+

Notable localities include Western Australia; Antarctica.

How much is addibischoffite worth?+

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

What rocks look like addibischoffite?+

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

What minerals are found with addibischoffite?+

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

What kind of rock does addibischoffite form in?+

Addibischoffite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is addibischoffite used for?+

Addibischoffite is used in collector.

Find addibischoffite on the map

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