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, 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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