Czochralskiite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral first discovered in the Khatyrka meteorite. It occurs as microscopic crystals within extraterrestrial material and is named after the Czochralski process of crystal growth.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Czochralskiite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this czochralskiite?

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 czochralskiite with a known reference. Czochralskiite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside czochralskiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄Ca₃Mg(PO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.132 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A primary phase in graphite-bearing nodules, in an iron meteorite

Where rockhounds find czochralskiite

Classic worldwide localities

Khatyrka meteorite
Koryak Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A primary phase in graphite-bearing nodules, in an iron meteorite. If you start seeing graphite, triolite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify czochralskiite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is czochralskiite found?+

Notable localities include Khatyrka meteorite; Koryak Mountains, Russia.

What rocks look like czochralskiite?+

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

What minerals are found with czochralskiite?+

Czochralskiite commonly co-occurs with Graphite, Triolite, Schreibersite, Cohenite, Merrillite, Brianite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does czochralskiite form in?+

Where it forms: A primary phase in graphite-bearing nodules, in an iron meteorite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is czochralskiite used for?+

Czochralskiite is used in collector.

Find czochralskiite on the map

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