Akimotoite is a high-pressure polymorph of enstatite that forms only under the extreme conditions of planetary collisions. It is found exclusively in shock-metamorphosed meteorites as microscopic inclusions associated with other high-pressure silicate minerals. Its identification requires advanced X-ray diffraction or microprobe analysis due to its rarity and lack of macro-scale crystal development.
Is this akimotoite?
3-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch akimotoite with a known reference. Akimotoite sits at Mohs 7-8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains.
Often confused with
Akimotoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside akimotoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with akimotoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MgSiO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 7-8
- Density
- 4.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic grains
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In shock-metamorphosed melt veins in chondritic L-6 meteorites
Where rockhounds find akimotoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tenham, Sixiangkou, and Grove Mountains meteorites
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In shock-metamorphosed melt veins in chondritic L-6 meteorites. If you start seeing clinoenstatite, ringwoodite, majorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify akimotoite?+
Where is akimotoite found?+
What rocks look like akimotoite?+
What minerals are found with akimotoite?+
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What is akimotoite used for?+
Find akimotoite on the map
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