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 — that is 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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