Wadsleyite is a high-pressure polymorph of forsterite that originates in the Earth's transition zone between 410 and 520 km depth. Collectors typically find it only as minute, rare inclusions within shocked chondritic meteorites that have undergone extreme high-pressure impacts.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareOlivine Group family

Wadsleyite

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

Is this wadsleyite?

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 wadsleyite with a known reference. Wadsleyite 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. Wadsleyite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wadsleyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale blue, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, inclusions.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside wadsleyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: β-Mg₂SiO₄
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.47 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale Blue White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Crystals, Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Shocked Chondritic Meteorites
Typical price: $500-5000+ for rare specimens

Where rockhounds find wadsleyite

Classic worldwide localities

Peace River meteorite
Tenham meteorite

Field-hunting tip

Look in shocked chondritic meteorites country — that is the host setting where wadsleyite typically forms. If you start seeing ringwoodite, majorite, bridgmanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic crystals, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wadsleyite?+

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

Where is wadsleyite found?+

Notable localities include Peace River meteorite; Tenham meteorite.

How much is wadsleyite worth?+

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

What rocks look like wadsleyite?+

Wadsleyite is most often confused with Ringwoodite, Forsterite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with wadsleyite?+

Wadsleyite commonly co-occurs with Ringwoodite, Majorite, Bridgmanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wadsleyite form in?+

Wadsleyite typically forms in shocked chondritic meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wadsleyite used for?+

Wadsleyite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find wadsleyite on the map

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