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.
Is this davisite?
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 davisite with a known reference. Davisite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Davisite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Davisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: purple, violet, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, prismatic 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
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Calcium-aluminum-rich Inclusions in CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- very expensive, restricted to research and high-end meteorite collections
Where rockhounds find davisite
Classic worldwide localities
- Allende meteorite (Mexico)
Field-hunting tip
Look in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where davisite typically forms. If you start seeing grossular, spinel, melilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find davisite on the map
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