Adrianite is a rare member of the garnet group typically found in contact metamorphic rocks such as skarns. Collectors should look for its characteristic dodecahedral habit and deep reddish-brown coloration, which helps distinguish it from more common garnets.

Hardness

6.5-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Adrianite

Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this adrianite?

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 adrianite with a known reference. Adrianite sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Adrianite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Adrianite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, brown, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside adrianite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃(Mg,Fe)₂(SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5
Density: 3.6-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brown Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: $20-200 depending on crystal size and clarity

Where rockhounds find adrianite

Classic worldwide localities

Italy
Romania
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where adrianite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, vesuvianite 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 adrianite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, brown, orange.

Where is adrianite found?+

Notable localities include Italy; Romania; USA.

How much is adrianite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 depending on crystal size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like adrianite?+

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

What minerals are found with adrianite?+

Adrianite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Vesuvianite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does adrianite form in?+

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

What is adrianite used for?+

Adrianite is used in collector.

Find adrianite on the map

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