Carlsbergite is a rare chromium nitride mineral typically found exclusively within iron meteorites as microscopic inclusions. It generally occurs as tiny, metallic, cubic grains embedded within kamacite or taenite matrices. It is highly sought after by meteorite collectors as a mineralogical rarity of extraterrestrial origin.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Carlsbergite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this carlsbergite?

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 carlsbergite with a known reference. Carlsbergite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carlsbergite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Carlsbergite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microscopic grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Osbornite is the harder of the two (Mohs 8-9 vs. 3.5); streak differs — Carlsbergite leaves gray, Osbornite leaves gold-yellow.

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Often found alongside carlsbergite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CrN
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 5.71 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Iron Meteorites
Typical price: $100-500+ per microscopic specimen

Where rockhounds find carlsbergite

Classic worldwide localities

Toluca meteorite (Mexico)
Cape York meteorite (Greenland)
Canyon Diablo meteorite (USA)

Field-hunting tip

Look in iron meteorites country — that is the host setting where carlsbergite typically forms. If you start seeing kamacite, taenite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify carlsbergite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is carlsbergite found?+

Notable localities include Toluca meteorite (Mexico); Cape York meteorite (Greenland); Canyon Diablo meteorite (USA).

How much is carlsbergite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per microscopic specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like carlsbergite?+

Carlsbergite is most often confused with Osbornite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with carlsbergite?+

Carlsbergite commonly co-occurs with Kamacite, Taenite, Schreibersite, Graphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does carlsbergite form in?+

Carlsbergite typically forms in iron meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is carlsbergite used for?+

Carlsbergite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find carlsbergite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.