Meieranite is an extremely rare scandium-dominant member of the garnet group. It typically appears as small yellow to brown dodecahedral crystals found in alkaline igneous environments.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Meieranite

Meieranite is an extremely rare scandium-dominant member of the garnet group. It typically appears as small yellow to brown dodecahedral crystals found in alkaline igneous environments.

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this meieranite?

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 meieranite with a known reference. Meieranite 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. Meieranite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Meieranite 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

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

Often found alongside meieranite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Sc₂Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.84 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: Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find meieranite

Classic worldwide localities

Kovdor Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is meieranite found?+

Notable localities include Kovdor Massif, Russia.

How much is meieranite 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 meieranite?+

Meieranite 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 meieranite?+

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

What kind of rock does meieranite form in?+

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

What is meieranite used for?+

Meieranite is used in collector.

Find meieranite on the map

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