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, 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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