Aradite is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral found in pyrometamorphic complexes where carbonaceous sediments have been baked by high-temperature, low-pressure subterranean combustion. It is typically identified in complex assemblages with other high-temperature calcium silicates. It is named after the city of Arad, Israel, near where it was first described.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Aradite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this aradite?

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 aradite with a known reference. Aradite 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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside aradite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaCa₆[(SiO₄)(VO₄)](VO₄)₂F
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.509 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In paralava veins cutting gehlenite-rich pyrometamorphic rock formed by the combustion of organic matter in the sedimentary protolith or methane released by tectonic forces

Where rockhounds find aradite

Classic worldwide localities

Gurim Anticline, Hatrurim Basin, 5 km SE of Arad, Negev Desert, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In paralava veins cutting gehlenite-rich pyrometamorphic rock formed by the combustion of organic matter in the sedimentary protolith or methane released by tectonic forces. If you start seeing zadovite, gehlenite, pseudowollastonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify aradite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is aradite found?+

Notable localities include Gurim Anticline, Hatrurim Basin, 5 km SE of Arad, Negev Desert, Israel.

Is aradite safe to handle?+

Aradite contains vanadium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like aradite?+

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

What minerals are found with aradite?+

Aradite commonly co-occurs with Zadovite, Gehlenite, Pseudowollastonite, Wollastonite, Andradite-schorlomite, Rankinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does aradite form in?+

Where it forms: In paralava veins cutting gehlenite-rich pyrometamorphic rock formed by the combustion of organic matter in the sedimentary protolith or methane released by tectonic forces. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is aradite used for?+

Aradite is used in collector.

Find aradite on the map

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