Haxonite is a rare iron-nickel carbide mineral that forms within iron meteorites as a result of specific cooling histories. It is typically found as microscopic grains or small inclusions intergrown with other iron-nickel phases, making it a prized discovery for meteorite specialists and researchers. Due to its extraterrestrial origin and rarity, it is almost exclusively found by analyzing cross-sections of known iron meteorite falls.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Haxonite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this haxonite?

5-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 haxonite with a known reference. Haxonite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Haxonite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Haxonite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Haxonite leaves gray, Cohenite leaves grey-black.

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Often found alongside haxonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Ni)₂₃C₆
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 7.52 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Iron Meteorites
Typical price: $100-500 for small research fragments

Where rockhounds find haxonite

Classic worldwide localities

Canyon Diablo meteorite (Arizona, USA)
Toluca meteorite (Mexico)
Henbury meteorite (Australia)

Field-hunting tip

Look in iron meteorites country, the host setting where haxonite typically forms. If you start seeing kamacite, taenite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify haxonite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include white, silver-gray.

Where is haxonite found?+

Notable localities include Canyon Diablo meteorite (Arizona, USA); Toluca meteorite (Mexico); Henbury meteorite (Australia).

How much is haxonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small research fragments. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like haxonite?+

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

What minerals are found with haxonite?+

Haxonite commonly co-occurs with Kamacite, Taenite, Schreibersite, Troilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does haxonite form in?+

Haxonite typically forms in iron meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is haxonite used for?+

Haxonite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find haxonite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.