Dmisteinbergite is a rare high-temperature polymorph of anorthite found in pyrometamorphic settings such as coal-fire combustion zones. It typically occurs as small, delicate, pseudo-hexagonal platy crystals often associated with other rare high-temperature calcium silicates.
Is this dmisteinbergite?
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 dmisteinbergite with a known reference. Dmisteinbergite 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. Dmisteinbergite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dmisteinbergite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal flakes.
Often confused with
Dmisteinbergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dmisteinbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dmisteinbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₂Si₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.56 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Pseudo-hexagonal Flakes
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks, Combustion Metamorphic Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find dmisteinbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
- Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks, combustion metamorphic complexes country — that is the host setting where dmisteinbergite typically forms. If you start seeing gehlenite, spurrite, larnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal flakes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dmisteinbergite on the map
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