Milanriederite is a rare member of the vesuvianite group characterized by its iron-rich composition. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals within metamorphic skarns and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareVesuvianite Group family

Milanriederite

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

Is this milanriederite?

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 milanriederite with a known reference. Milanriederite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Milanriederite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Milanriederite 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: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside milanriederite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₁₉Fe³⁺(Al,Fe³⁺,Mg)₁₀Si₁₈O₆₈(OH)₁₀
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Density: 3.45 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find milanriederite

Classic worldwide localities

Milan Ried, Italy
Val d'Ala, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where milanriederite typically forms. If you start seeing diopside, grossular, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify milanriederite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is milanriederite found?+

Notable localities include Milan Ried, Italy; Val d'Ala, Italy.

How much is milanriederite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like milanriederite?+

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

What minerals are found with milanriederite?+

Milanriederite commonly co-occurs with Diopside, Grossular, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does milanriederite form in?+

Milanriederite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is milanriederite used for?+

Milanriederite is used in collector.

Find milanriederite on the map

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