Schrauf studied mathematics, physics and mineralogy at the University of Vienna, where one of his instructors was Wilhelm Josef Grailich.

In 1867 he was named first curator of the mineral cabinet, and in 1874 was appointed professor and director of the mineralogical museum at the University of Vienna.

[1] Known for his investigations in the field of crystallography, he was a proponent of the crystallographic index developed by William Hallowes Miller.

In Vienna, he collaborated with Gustav Tschermak in publication of the journal "Mineralogische Mitteilungen".

[4] In 1896 Schrauf lost sight in his left eye due to sudden exposure of sunlight in the course of performing crystallographic measurements.