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 — that is 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.