Monteneveite is a rare member of the garnet group containing antimony and zinc in its structural formula. It is primarily found as small, deep red dodecahedral crystals associated with hydrothermal mineralization in the Monteneve mining district of Italy.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Monteneveite

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

Is this monteneveite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside monteneveite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Sb₂Zn₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Red Brownish-red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find monteneveite

Classic worldwide localities

Monteneve mine, South Tyrol, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where monteneveite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, sphalerite 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 monteneveite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark red, brownish-red.

Where is monteneveite found?+

Notable localities include Monteneve mine, South Tyrol, Italy.

How much is monteneveite worth?+

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

What rocks look like monteneveite?+

Monteneveite 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 monteneveite?+

Monteneveite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Dolomite, Sphalerite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does monteneveite form in?+

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

What is monteneveite used for?+

Monteneveite is used in collector.

Find monteneveite on the map

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