Dmitryivanovite is an incredibly rare calcium aluminate mineral discovered in the Khatyrka meteorite. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within extraterrestrial samples and is a significant find for planetary mineralogists.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Dmitryivanovite

Hardness: 3.5
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this dmitryivanovite?

4-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 dmitryivanovite with a known reference. Dmitryivanovite 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. Streak: white.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Krotite is the harder of the two (Mohs ~6.5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside dmitryivanovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaAl₂O₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a Ca,Al-rich inclusion (CAI) in a CH3 chondrite meteorite

Where rockhounds find dmitryivanovite

Classic worldwide localities

NWA 470 chondrite, near Er Rachidia, Moroccan Sahara (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a Ca,Al-rich inclusion (CAI) in a CH3 chondrite meteorite. If you start seeing grossite, melilite, perovskite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dmitryivanovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is dmitryivanovite found?+

Notable localities include NWA 470 chondrite, near Er Rachidia, Moroccan Sahara (type locality).

What rocks look like dmitryivanovite?+

Dmitryivanovite is most often confused with Krotite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dmitryivanovite?+

Dmitryivanovite commonly co-occurs with Grossite, Melilite, Perovskite, Gehlenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dmitryivanovite form in?+

Where it forms: In a Ca,Al-rich inclusion (CAI) in a CH3 chondrite meteorite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dmitryivanovite used for?+

Dmitryivanovite is used in collector.

Find dmitryivanovite on the map

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