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.
Is this burnettite?
2-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 burnettite with a known reference. Burnettite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Burnettite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Probably formed in reducing conditions from an ultra-refractory parent of a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite
Where rockhounds find burnettite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khatyrka meteorite, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Probably formed in reducing conditions from an ultra-refractory parent of a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. If you start seeing aluminous melilite, paqueite, spinel in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify burnettite?+
Where is burnettite found?+
Is burnettite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like burnettite?+
What minerals are found with burnettite?+
What kind of rock does burnettite form in?+
What is burnettite used for?+
Find burnettite on the map
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