Krotite is an exceptionally rare calcium aluminate mineral discovered within a calcium-aluminum-rich inclusion of the Allende meteorite. It represents one of the earliest high-temperature minerals formed in the solar nebula and is typically found as tiny inclusions associated with other refractory minerals.
Is this krotite?
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 krotite with a known reference. Krotite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krotite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Krotite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Krotite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside krotite
Minerals reported to co-occur with krotite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₂O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Calcium-aluminum-rich Inclusions (CAIs) in CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- Not available for individual purchase due to extreme rarity
Where rockhounds find krotite
Classic worldwide localities
- Allende Meteorite, Chihuahua, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (cais) in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country, the host setting where krotite typically forms. If you start seeing grossite, hibonite, perovskite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find krotite on the map
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