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

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Khatyrkite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
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 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Khatyrkite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Khatyrkite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, pale brass-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: grains, microscopic lamellae.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Khatyrkite leaves black, Cupalite leaves copper-red.

Compare →

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.

All properties

Chemical formula: CuAl₂
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 6.14 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Pale Brass-yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Grains, Microscopic Lamellae
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite
Typical price: $500+ per small specimen

Where rockhounds find khatyrkite

Classic worldwide localities

Khatyrka meteorite, Koryak Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite country — that is the host setting where khatyrkite typically forms. If you start seeing cupalite, hapkeite, icosahedrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains, microscopic lamellae habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify khatyrkite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, pale brass-yellow.

Where is khatyrkite found?+

Notable localities include Khatyrka meteorite, Koryak Mountains, Russia.

How much is khatyrkite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500+ per small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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, Hapkeite, Icosahedrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does khatyrkite form in?+

Khatyrkite typically forms in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. 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.