Stishovite is a high-pressure polymorph of silica that forms primarily during meteorite impacts. It is extremely rare in nature and is typically found as microscopic grains embedded within shocked quartz or impact melt rocks.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareQuartz family

Stishovite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this stishovite?

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 stishovite with a known reference. Stishovite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Stishovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Stishovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside stishovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.28 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct On {110}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Impact Craters and Metamorphic Rocks Subjected to Extreme Pressure
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and source

Where rockhounds find stishovite

Classic worldwide localities

Barringer Crater, USA
Ries Crater, Germany
Vredefort Crater, South Africa
Popigai Crater, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in impact craters and metamorphic rocks subjected to extreme pressure country — that is the host setting where stishovite typically forms. If you start seeing coesite, quartz, glass 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 stishovite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is stishovite found?+

Notable localities include Barringer Crater, USA; Ries Crater, Germany; Vredefort Crater, South Africa; Popigai Crater, Russia.

How much is stishovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and source. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like stishovite?+

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

What minerals are found with stishovite?+

Stishovite commonly co-occurs with Coesite, Quartz, Glass. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does stishovite form in?+

Stishovite typically forms in impact craters and metamorphic rocks subjected to extreme pressure. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is stishovite used for?+

Stishovite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find stishovite on the map

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