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, 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.