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 — that is 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.