Burnettite is an exceedingly rare pyroxene mineral identified primarily from the Khatyrka meteorite. It is notable for containing both vanadium and aluminum in its structural formula and occurs in extremely small, micro-sized grains.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyroxene Group family

Burnettite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this burnettite?

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 burnettite with a known reference. Burnettite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Burnettite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Burnettite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark blue, blue-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Augite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Burnettite leaves white, Augite leaves grayish white.

Often found alongside burnettite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaVAlSiO₆
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Blue Blue-black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
Typical price: extremely high (research grade)

Where rockhounds find burnettite

Classic worldwide localities

Khatyrka meteorite, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where burnettite typically forms. If you start seeing khatyrkite, cupalite 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

How do you identify burnettite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark blue, blue-black.

Where is burnettite found?+

Notable localities include Khatyrka meteorite, Russia.

How much is burnettite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of extremely high (research grade). Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like burnettite?+

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

What minerals are found with burnettite?+

Burnettite commonly co-occurs with Khatyrkite, Cupalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does burnettite form in?+

Burnettite typically forms in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is burnettite used for?+

Burnettite is used in collector, research.

Find burnettite on the map

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