Tissintite is a very rare variety of pyroxene originally discovered in the Tissint Martian meteorite. It is characterized by its significant vacancy in the M2 site of the crystal structure, making it a unique planetary mineral known primarily to researchers and high-end meteorite collectors.
Is this tissintite?
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 tissintite with a known reference. Tissintite 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. Tissintite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tissintite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Tissintite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tissintite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tissintite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na,□)AlSi₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Martian Meteorites
- Typical price
- Expensive for professional research samples only.
Where rockhounds find tissintite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tissint, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in martian meteorites country, the host setting where tissintite typically forms. If you start seeing maskelynite, olivine, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tissintite on the map
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