Icosahedrite is a remarkable natural quasicrystal found within the Khatyrka meteorite. It is noted for its forbidden rotational symmetry that does not conform to standard crystallographic patterns found in typical terrestrial minerals.
Is this icosahedrite?
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 icosahedrite with a known reference. Icosahedrite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Icosahedrite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Icosahedrite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: metallic gray, silver.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: icosahedral. Typical habit: grains.
Often found alongside icosahedrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with icosahedrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₆₃Cu₂₄Fe₁₃
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 6.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Icosahedral
- Crystal habit
- Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite
- Typical price
- n/a (extremely rare material)
Where rockhounds find icosahedrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khatyrka meteorite, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonaceous chondrite meteorite country — that is the host setting where icosahedrite typically forms. If you start seeing hattenite, stishovite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find icosahedrite on the map
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