Khatyrkite is an extremely rare aluminum-copper alloy first discovered in the Khatyrka meteorite. It is notable for being one of the few natural quasicrystal-bearing minerals, often appearing as microscopic metallic grains embedded within meteorite fragments.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Dark gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Khatyrkite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Dark gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this khatyrkite?

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 khatyrkite with a known reference. Khatyrkite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: dark gray.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Khatyrkite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 4.5); streak differs, so Khatyrkite leaves dark gray, Cupalite leaves copper-red.

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Often found alongside khatyrkite

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

Cupalite
mineral · Mohs 4.5

All properties

Chemical formula: CuAl₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 4.42 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray yellow
Streak: Dark gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Inclusions
Cleavage: {100}, distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In black slick washed from greenish gray cover weathering from serpentine

Where rockhounds find khatyrkite

Classic worldwide localities

Khatirskii ultramafic zone of the Koryak-Kamchata fold area, Koryak Mountains, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In black slick washed from greenish gray cover weathering from serpentine. If you start seeing cupalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify khatyrkite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is dark gray. Common colors include steel-gray yellow.

Where is khatyrkite found?+

Notable localities include Khatirskii ultramafic zone of the Koryak-Kamchata fold area, Koryak Mountains, Russia (type locality).

Is khatyrkite safe to handle?+

Khatyrkite contains copper. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like khatyrkite?+

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

What minerals are found with khatyrkite?+

Khatyrkite commonly co-occurs with Cupalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does khatyrkite form in?+

Where it forms: In black slick washed from greenish gray cover weathering from serpentine. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is khatyrkite used for?+

Khatyrkite is used in collector.

Find khatyrkite on the map

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