Poppiite is a very rare vanadium-bearing garnet species originally described from the Poppi area in Tuscany, Italy. It typically forms small, opaque, brownish-red to dark brown dodecahedral crystals associated with contact metamorphic zones. Due to its extreme rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Poppiite

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

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Is this poppiite?

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 poppiite with a known reference. Poppiite 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. Poppiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Poppiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, brownish-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside poppiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃(V³⁺,Fe³⁺)₂(SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Brownish-red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find poppiite

Classic worldwide localities

Poppi, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where poppiite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside 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 poppiite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, brownish-red.

Where is poppiite found?+

Notable localities include Poppi, Italy.

How much is poppiite worth?+

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

What rocks look like poppiite?+

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

What minerals are found with poppiite?+

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

What kind of rock does poppiite form in?+

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

What is poppiite used for?+

Poppiite is used in collector.

Find poppiite on the map

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