Ringwoodite is a high-pressure polymorph of olivine that exists deep within the Earth's mantle transition zone between 520 and 660 kilometers deep. Because it is rarely brought to the surface except via meteorites or as rare inclusions in deep-seated diamonds, it is an exceptionally rare find for collectors and scientists alike.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareOlivine Group family

Ringwoodite

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

Is this ringwoodite?

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 ringwoodite with a known reference. Ringwoodite 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. Ringwoodite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ringwoodite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, purple, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microscopic granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ringwoodite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Purple Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Deep-mantle Transition Zone
Typical price: $500-5000+ per microscopic specimen

Where rockhounds find ringwoodite

Classic worldwide localities

Tenham meteorite (Australia)
Grandidierite inclusions
Deep Earth mantle samples

Field-hunting tip

Look in deep-mantle transition zone country — that is the host setting where ringwoodite typically forms. If you start seeing bridgmanite, wadsleyite, majorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ringwoodite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, purple, colorless.

Where is ringwoodite found?+

Notable localities include Tenham meteorite (Australia); Grandidierite inclusions; Deep Earth mantle samples.

How much is ringwoodite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-5000+ per microscopic specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ringwoodite?+

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

What minerals are found with ringwoodite?+

Ringwoodite commonly co-occurs with Bridgmanite, Wadsleyite, Majorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ringwoodite form in?+

Ringwoodite typically forms in deep-mantle transition zone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ringwoodite used for?+

Ringwoodite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find ringwoodite on the map

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