Irinarassite is a very rare tin-bearing garnet species discovered in the Wiluy River basin of Russia. It typically occurs as small dodecahedral crystals within skarn deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its unique composition.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Irinarassite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this irinarassite?

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 irinarassite with a known reference. Irinarassite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Irinarassite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Irinarassite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside irinarassite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Sn₂Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find irinarassite

Classic worldwide localities

Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where irinarassite typically forms. If you start seeing wollastonite, vesuvianite, 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 irinarassite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is irinarassite found?+

Notable localities include Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is irinarassite worth?+

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

What rocks look like irinarassite?+

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

What minerals are found with irinarassite?+

Irinarassite commonly co-occurs with Wollastonite, Vesuvianite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does irinarassite form in?+

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

What is irinarassite used for?+

Irinarassite is used in collector.

Find irinarassite on the map

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