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, 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.