Schüllerite is a rare member of the garnet group that is structurally related to andradite, appearing in small, well-formed dodecahedral crystals. It is typically found in contact metamorphic skarn environments associated with iron-rich hydrothermal alteration. Collectors look for its characteristic yellowish-brown hues and high luster, which distinguish it from more common garnet varieties.

Hardness

6.5-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Schüllerite

Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this schüllerite?

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 schüllerite with a known reference. Schüllerite sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schüllerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schüllerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: isometric. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside schüllerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Fe³⁺₂Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5
Density: 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Isometric
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $20-200 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find schüllerite

Classic worldwide localities

Schwarzenberg, Germany
Kola Peninsula, Russia
San Benito County, California

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where schüllerite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, epidote 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 schüllerite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is schüllerite found?+

Notable localities include Schwarzenberg, Germany; Kola Peninsula, Russia; San Benito County, California.

How much is schüllerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like schüllerite?+

Schüllerite 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 schüllerite?+

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

What kind of rock does schüllerite form in?+

Schüllerite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schüllerite used for?+

Schüllerite is used in collector.

Find schüllerite on the map

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