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, so 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, 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.