Crichtonite is a rare titanium-rich mineral typically found as small, sharp, black rhombohedral crystals in alpine-type veins. Collectors prize it for its perfect geometry and it is often associated with other rare titanium species like brookite and anatase.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCrichtonite Group family

Crichtonite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this crichtonite?

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 crichtonite with a known reference. Crichtonite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Crichtonite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Crichtonite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Crichtonite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Crichtonite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

Compare →

Often found alongside crichtonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Sr,La,Ce,Ca)(Ti,Fe³⁺,Mn,Mg)₂₁O₃₈
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.4-4.5 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alpine-type Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find crichtonite

Classic worldwide localities

Bourg d'Oisans, France
San Gotthard, Switzerland
Norilsk, Russia
Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in alpine-type hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where crichtonite typically forms. If you start seeing anatase, brookite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify crichtonite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is crichtonite found?+

Notable localities include Bourg d'Oisans, France; San Gotthard, Switzerland; Norilsk, Russia; Brazil.

How much is crichtonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like crichtonite?+

Crichtonite is most often confused with Manaccanite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with crichtonite?+

Crichtonite commonly co-occurs with Anatase, Brookite, Quartz, Adularia. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does crichtonite form in?+

Crichtonite typically forms in alpine-type hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is crichtonite used for?+

Crichtonite is used in collector.

Find crichtonite on the map

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