Eringaite is a rare chromium-bearing garnet and a member of the uvarovite series. It is typically found as small, vibrant emerald-green dodecahedral crystals associated with chromium-rich serpentinite environments.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Eringaite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this eringaite?

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 eringaite with a known reference. Eringaite sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eringaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Eringaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: emerald-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside eringaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Cr₂(SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Emerald-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Serpentinite
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find eringaite

Classic worldwide localities

Eringa, Australia
Ural Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in serpentinite country, the host setting where eringaite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, serpentine, 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 eringaite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include emerald-green.

Where is eringaite found?+

Notable localities include Eringa, Australia; Ural Mountains, Russia.

How much is eringaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like eringaite?+

Eringaite is most often confused with Uvarovite, Grossularite Garnet. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with eringaite?+

Eringaite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Serpentine, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does eringaite form in?+

Eringaite typically forms in serpentinite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is eringaite used for?+

Eringaite is used in collector.

Find eringaite on the map

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