Carmichaelite is a rare titanium oxide mineral that occurs as microscopic inclusions within xenocrysts of corundum. It was first discovered in the volcanic regions of Australia and is highly sought after for scientific study rather than lapidary purposes.
Is this carmichaelite?
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 carmichaelite with a known reference. Carmichaelite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carmichaelite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Carmichaelite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, inclusions in volcanic rocks.
Often confused with
Carmichaelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Carmichaelite leaves brown, Rutile leaves pale brown to yellow; luster reads submetallic on Carmichaelite and metallic to adamantine on Rutile.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Carmichaelite leaves brown, Manaccanite leaves black.
Often found alongside carmichaelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with carmichaelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ti₂O₃(OH,F)
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Crystals, Inclusions in Volcanic Rocks
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Xenoliths
- Typical price
- n/a (extremely rare specimen, mostly research grade)
Where rockhounds find carmichaelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Carmichael, Queensland, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic xenoliths country — that is the host setting where carmichaelite typically forms. If you start seeing corundum, spinel, ilmenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic crystals, inclusions in volcanic rocks habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find carmichaelite on the map
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