Allendeite is a rare scandium-rich mineral found exclusively within the refractory inclusions of the Allende meteorite. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other rare refractory minerals in extraterrestrial materials.
Is this allendeite?
5-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 allendeite with a known reference. Allendeite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Allendeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Allendeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Allendeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside allendeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with allendeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ScSc₃O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find allendeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Allende meteorite, Chihuahua, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite country — that is the host setting where allendeite typically forms. If you start seeing panguite, davisite, grossite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find allendeite on the map
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