Kerimasite is a rare member of the garnet group characterized by its high zirconium and iron content. It typically forms sharp dodecahedral crystals in alkaline igneous environments and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Kerimasite

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

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Is this kerimasite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kerimasite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Zr₂(Fe³⁺SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find kerimasite

Classic worldwide localities

Kovdor Massif (Russia)
Uncompahgre Uplift (USA)

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where kerimasite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, forsterite, magnetite 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 kerimasite?+

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

Where is kerimasite found?+

Notable localities include Kovdor Massif (Russia); Uncompahgre Uplift (USA).

How much is kerimasite worth?+

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

What rocks look like kerimasite?+

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

What minerals are found with kerimasite?+

Kerimasite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Forsterite, Magnetite, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kerimasite form in?+

Kerimasite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kerimasite used for?+

Kerimasite is used in collector.

Find kerimasite on the map

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