Heideite is an extremely rare iron-chromium-titanium sulfide found almost exclusively in the Bustee enstatite achondrite meteorite. Collectors rarely encounter this mineral, which typically occurs as tiny inclusions within extraterrestrial silicate matrices.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Heideite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this heideite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Troilite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Heideite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5-4).

How to tell apart: Heideite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads metallic on Heideite and submetallic on Daubréelite.

Compare →

Often found alongside heideite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Cr,Ti)₁.₈₅S₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.45 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Enstatite Achondrite Meteorites
Typical price: very expensive due to extreme rarity

Where rockhounds find heideite

Classic worldwide localities

Bustee meteorite (India)

Field-hunting tip

Look in enstatite achondrite meteorites country, the host setting where heideite typically forms. If you start seeing enstatite, diopside, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify heideite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark gray.

Where is heideite found?+

Notable localities include Bustee meteorite (India).

How much is heideite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of very expensive due to extreme rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like heideite?+

Heideite is most often confused with Troilite, Daubréelite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with heideite?+

Heideite commonly co-occurs with Enstatite, Diopside, Troilite, Daubréelite, Oldhamite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does heideite form in?+

Heideite typically forms in enstatite achondrite meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is heideite used for?+

Heideite is used in collector.

Find heideite on the map

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