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.
Is this dmitryivanovite?
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 dmitryivanovite with a known reference. Dmitryivanovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dmitryivanovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dmitryivanovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Dmitryivanovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 2.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- n/a (extremely rare meteorite specimen)
Where rockhounds find dmitryivanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khatyrka meteorite, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where dmitryivanovite typically forms. If you start seeing spinel, diopside, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dmitryivanovite on the map
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