Schorlomite is a rare titanium-rich member of the garnet group, typically identified by its striking black color and brilliant sub-metallic to vitreous luster. It is most frequently found in alkaline igneous complexes and carbonatites, often appearing as distinct dodecahedral crystals. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and rarity compared to more common garnet species.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Schorlomite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this schorlomite?

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 schorlomite with a known reference. Schorlomite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schorlomite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schorlomite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Schorlomite and subadamantine to vitreous on Melanite.

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Often found alongside schorlomite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Ti₂Fe₂SiO₁₂
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find schorlomite

Classic worldwide localities

Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
Kaiserstuhl, Germany
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Ontario, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where schorlomite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schorlomite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black.

Where is schorlomite found?+

Notable localities include Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA; Kaiserstuhl, Germany; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Ontario, Canada.

How much is schorlomite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like schorlomite?+

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

What minerals are found with schorlomite?+

Schorlomite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Calcite, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schorlomite form in?+

Schorlomite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schorlomite used for?+

Schorlomite is used in collector.

Find schorlomite on the map

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