Xieite is a high-pressure polymorph of chromite formed during intense meteorite impacts. It is found exclusively as microscopic grains embedded within shocked meteorites, making it a significant subject for planetary science and mineralogy. It occurs as a post-spinel phase in conditions of extreme heat and pressure.
Is this xieite?
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 xieite with a known reference. Xieite sits at Mohs 8.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xieite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xieite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic grains in impact shock-metamorphosed rock.
Often confused with
Xieite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Xieite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8.5 vs. 5.5); streak differs — Xieite leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown.
How to tell apart: Xieite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8.5 vs. 5.5-6.5); luster reads submetallic on Xieite and metallic on Magnetite.
Often found alongside xieite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xieite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeCr₂O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 8.5
- Density
- 4.71 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Grains in Impact Shock-metamorphosed Rock
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Impact-metamorphosed Meteorite
- Typical price
- n/a (extremely limited availability)
Where rockhounds find xieite
Classic worldwide localities
- Suizhou meteorite, Hubei Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in impact-metamorphosed meteorite country — that is the host setting where xieite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, ringwoodite, majorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains in impact shock-metamorphosed rock habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find xieite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
