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.

Hardness

>5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinel Group family

Xieite

Hardness: >5.5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this xieite?

4-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 xieite with a known reference. Xieite sits at Mohs >5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

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: >5.5
Density: 5.342 g/cm³
Colors: Dark brown Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microscopic grains in impact shock-metamorphosed rock
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: In a shock vein in a L6 chondrite meteorite, formed by solid-state transformation of chromite under shock-induced high pressure and temperature (Suizhou)

Where rockhounds find xieite

Classic worldwide localities

Suizhou meteorite, Hubei Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a shock vein in a L6 chondrite meteorite, formed by solid-state transformation of chromite under shock-induced high pressure and temperature (Suizhou). If you start seeing ringwoodite, majorite, lingunite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic grains in impact shock-metamorphosed rock. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify xieite?+

Mohs hardness is >5.5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is xieite found?+

Notable localities include Suizhou meteorite, Hubei Province, China.

What rocks look like xieite?+

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

What minerals are found with xieite?+

Xieite commonly co-occurs with Ringwoodite, Majorite, Lingunite, Tuite, Olivine, Pyroxene. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does xieite form in?+

Where it forms: In a shock vein in a L6 chondrite meteorite, formed by solid-state transformation of chromite under shock-induced high pressure and temperature (Suizhou). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is xieite used for?+

Xieite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find xieite on the map

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