Kuratite is an exceptionally rare mineral primarily identified within carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. It typically occurs as small grains associated with other silicate and metallic phases in extraterrestrial material.
Is this kuratite?
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 kuratite with a known reference. Kuratite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kuratite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kuratite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular aggregates, interstitial grains.
Often confused with
Kuratite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Kuratite and vitreous on Sapphirine.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kuratite leaves white, Rhönite leaves brownish grey; luster reads submetallic on Kuratite and vitreous on Rhönite.
Often found alongside kuratite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kuratite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄(Fe²⁺₁₀Ti₂)(Si₄Al₄Mg₄)O₄₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular Aggregates, Interstitial Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find kuratite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kainsaz meteorite, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where kuratite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, pyroxene, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates, interstitial grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kuratite on the map
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