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

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Czochralskiite

Hardness: 3.5
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 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. Czochralskiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Czochralskiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Whitlockite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Whitlockite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

How to tell apart: Merrillite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

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: Na₄Ca(PO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.24 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite
Typical price: Not publicly traded; highly scientific interest only.

Where rockhounds find czochralskiite

Classic worldwide localities

Khatyrka meteorite
Koryak Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite country — that is the host setting where czochralskiite typically forms. If you start seeing forsterite, enstatite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify czochralskiite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is czochralskiite found?+

Notable localities include Khatyrka meteorite; Koryak Mountains, Russia.

How much is czochralskiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of Not publicly traded; highly scientific interest only.. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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 Forsterite, Enstatite, Diopside. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does czochralskiite form in?+

Czochralskiite typically forms in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite 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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