Ravatite is a rare organic mineral composed of phenanthrene, typically found as a sublimation product in burning coal seams. It usually occurs as fragile, colorless to white crusts and is extremely sensitive to heat and pressure. It is highly sought after by collectors of exotic organic mineral species.
Is this ravatite?
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 ravatite with a known reference. Ravatite sits at Mohs 1.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ravatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ravatite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: subhedral to anhedral grains or thin crusts.
Often found alongside ravatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ravatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₁₄H₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5
- Density
- 1.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Subhedral to Anhedral Grains or Thin Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Burning Coal Seams
- Typical price
- expensive due to rarity
Where rockhounds find ravatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Fan Mountains, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in burning coal seams country — that is the host setting where ravatite typically forms. If you start seeing sulfur, sal-ammoniac in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a subhedral to anhedral grains or thin crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ravatite on the map
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