Bitikleite is a rare garnet-group mineral characterized by the presence of antimony in its crystal structure. It is primarily found in the high-temperature metasomatic environments of the Chegem caldera in Russia, appearing as small, dark, dodecahedral crystals associated with other rare silicate minerals.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Bitikleite

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

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Is this bitikleite?

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 bitikleite with a known reference. Bitikleite 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. Bitikleite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bitikleite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Bitikleite and subadamantine on Kimzeyite.

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Often found alongside bitikleite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃(Sb⁵⁺Fe³⁺)O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.85 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn and Altered Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bitikleite

Classic worldwide localities

Chegem caldera, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn and altered volcanic rocks country, the host setting where bitikleite typically forms. If you start seeing wadalite, lakargiite, calcite 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 bitikleite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is bitikleite found?+

Notable localities include Chegem caldera, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia.

How much is bitikleite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like bitikleite?+

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

What minerals are found with bitikleite?+

Bitikleite commonly co-occurs with Wadalite, Lakargiite, Calcite, Perovskite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bitikleite form in?+

Bitikleite typically forms in skarn and altered volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bitikleite used for?+

Bitikleite is used in collector.

Find bitikleite on the map

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