Seifertite is an extremely rare high-pressure polymorph of silica formed during the intense shock metamorphism of meteorites. It is only found in minute quantities within martian shergottite meteorites and is virtually impossible to identify without laboratory micro-analytical techniques.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareQuartz family

Seifertite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this seifertite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch seifertite with a known reference. Seifertite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Seifertite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Seifertite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.

Often confused with

Seifertite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside seifertite

Minerals reported to co-occur with seifertite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Impacted Meteorite
Typical price: $500-5000+ per microscopic specimen

Where rockhounds find seifertite

Classic worldwide localities

Shergottite meteorites
Zagami meteorite

Field-hunting tip

Look in impacted meteorite country — that is the host setting where seifertite typically forms. If you start seeing stishovite, maskelynite, olivine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify seifertite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is seifertite found?+

Notable localities include Shergottite meteorites; Zagami meteorite.

How much is seifertite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-5000+ per microscopic specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like seifertite?+

Seifertite is most often confused with Stishovite, Coesite, Quartz. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with seifertite?+

Seifertite commonly co-occurs with Stishovite, Maskelynite, Olivine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does seifertite form in?+

Seifertite typically forms in impacted meteorite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is seifertite used for?+

Seifertite is used in collector.

Find seifertite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.