Achondrites are stony meteorites that lack chondrules and have been differentiated by igneous processes on a parent body. They typically resemble terrestrial igneous rocks like basalt, making identification difficult without chemical analysis or identification of a fusion crust. They are highly sought after by meteorite collectors and scientific institutions.

Hardness

5-7

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

igneousrare

Achondrite

Hardness: 5-7
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this achondrite?

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 achondrite with a known reference. Achondrite sits at Mohs 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. Achondrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Achondrite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, brown, black, greenish.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside achondrite

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5-7
Density: 2.9-3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Brown Black Greenish
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Extraterrestrial
Typical price: $50-500 per gram

Where rockhounds find achondrite

Classic worldwide localities

Antarctica
Sahara Desert
Northwest Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in extraterrestrial country — that is the host setting where achondrite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify achondrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-7. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, brown, black, greenish.

Where is achondrite found?+

Notable localities include Antarctica; Sahara Desert; Northwest Africa.

How much is achondrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 per gram. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like achondrite?+

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

What minerals are found with achondrite?+

Achondrite commonly co-occurs with olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does achondrite form in?+

Achondrite typically forms in extraterrestrial. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is achondrite used for?+

Achondrite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find achondrite on the map

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