Stöfflerite is a rare high-pressure polymorph of calcium-rich feldspar discovered in impact craters. It is typically found as small, microscopic inclusions within impact-melted rocks alongside other shock-metamorphosed minerals. Collectors rarely encounter this mineral as it is primarily significant in planetary science and petrology research.
Is this stöfflerite?
3-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 stöfflerite with a known reference. Stöfflerite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Stöfflerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside stöfflerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with stöfflerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₂Si₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Scientific study, Collector
- Host rock
- impact melt breccia
Where rockhounds find stöfflerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nördlinger Ries crater, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: impact melt breccia. If you start seeing zagamiite, stishovite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify stöfflerite?+
Where is stöfflerite found?+
What rocks look like stöfflerite?+
What minerals are found with stöfflerite?+
What kind of rock does stöfflerite form in?+
What is stöfflerite used for?+
Find stöfflerite on the map
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