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 — that is 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
How do you identify aradite?+
Where is aradite found?+
How much is aradite worth?+
What rocks look like aradite?+
What minerals are found with aradite?+
What kind of rock does aradite form in?+
What is aradite used for?+
Find aradite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
