Lonsdaleite is a rare hexagonal polymorph of carbon typically found at meteorite impact sites where high pressures transform graphite. It is almost exclusively found in microscopic quantities, making high-quality collector specimens extremely rare and valuable to scientific researchers.
Is this lonsdaleite?
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 lonsdaleite with a known reference. Lonsdaleite sits at Mohs 7-8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lonsdaleite leaves a none streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lonsdaleite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Lonsdaleite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Diamond is the harder of the two (Mohs 10 vs. 7-8).
How to tell apart: Lonsdaleite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7-8 vs. 1-2); streak differs — Lonsdaleite leaves none, Graphite leaves black; luster reads adamantine on Lonsdaleite and metallic on Graphite.
Often found alongside lonsdaleite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lonsdaleite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C
- Mohs hardness
- 7-8
- Density
- 3.2-3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- None
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Impact Craters
- Typical price
- $500-5000+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find lonsdaleite
Classic worldwide localities
- Barringer Crater, USA
- Popigai Crater, Russia
- Novy Urey meteorite site, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in impact craters country — that is the host setting where lonsdaleite typically forms. If you start seeing diamond, graphite, iron-nickel alloys in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lonsdaleite on the map
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