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.
Is this aradite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aradite with a known reference. Aradite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aradite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aradite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. 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
- Na₂Ca₁₂Fe²⁺₂Ti₂Mg₂(SiO₄)₄(Si₂O₇)₂O₂F₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks of The Hatrurim Formation
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find aradite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation country, the host setting where aradite typically forms. If you start seeing larnite, gehlenite, brownmillerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find aradite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
