Proxidecagonite is an extremely rare natural quasicrystal found within meteorites. It exhibits a unique decagonal symmetry that does not repeat periodically, making it a subject of intense scientific interest for mineralogists and physicists.
Is this proxidecagonite?
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 proxidecagonite with a known reference. Proxidecagonite 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. Proxidecagonite leaves a metallic grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Proxidecagonite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: decagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Proxidecagonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside proxidecagonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with proxidecagonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₄Pd
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 6.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- Metallic Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Decagonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- very high
Where rockhounds find proxidecagonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khatyrka meteorite
- Chukotka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where proxidecagonite typically forms. If you start seeing icosahedrite, hollisterite, stishovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify proxidecagonite?+
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What rocks look like proxidecagonite?+
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Find proxidecagonite on the map
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