Davisite is an extremely rare calcium-scandium-aluminum pyroxene found almost exclusively within calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Collectors primarily encounter this mineral as microscopic inclusions within extraterrestrial samples rather than as cabinet-sized specimens. Its identification requires advanced analytical techniques such as electron microprobe analysis due to its rarity and complex composition.

Hardness

Mohs

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarePyroxene Group family

Davisite

Hardness: 6
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this davisite?

3-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 davisite with a known reference. Davisite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: purple, violet, black.
3
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside davisite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaScAlSiO₆
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 3.38 g/cm³
Colors: Purple Violet Black
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Microscopic crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Likely formed through high-temperature condensation in the solar nebula, followed by melting and crystallization in Ca-,Al-rich refractory inclusions in a meteorite

Where rockhounds find davisite

Classic worldwide localities

Allende meteorite, Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Likely formed through high-temperature condensation in the solar nebula, followed by melting and crystallization in Ca-,Al-rich refractory inclusions in a meteorite. If you start seeing spinel, perovskite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify davisite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. Common colors include purple, violet, black.

Where is davisite found?+

Notable localities include Allende meteorite, Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico (type locality).

What rocks look like davisite?+

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

What minerals are found with davisite?+

Davisite commonly co-occurs with Spinel, Perovskite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does davisite form in?+

Where it forms: Likely formed through high-temperature condensation in the solar nebula, followed by melting and crystallization in Ca-,Al-rich refractory inclusions in a meteorite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is davisite used for?+

Davisite is used in collector.

Find davisite on the map

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