Addibischoffite is a rare calcium aluminum oxide that forms an irregular mass. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2015. It was first described from material found in Algeria (meteorite).
Is this addibischoffite?
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 addibischoffite with a known reference. Addibischoffite sits at Mohs 7-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: an irregular mass.
Often confused with
Addibischoffite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside addibischoffite
Minerals reported to co-occur with addibischoffite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Al₆Al₆O₂₀
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 3.41 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- An irregular mass
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the core of a Ca-Al-rich inclusion (CAI) in the Acfer 214 CH3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, presumably a refractory phase from the solar nebula
Where rockhounds find addibischoffite
Classic worldwide localities
- Western Australia
- Antarctica
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the core of a Ca-Al-rich inclusion (CAI) in the Acfer 214 CH3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, presumably a refractory phase from the solar nebula. If you start seeing hibonite, perovskite, kushiroite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: an irregular mass. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify addibischoffite?+
Where is addibischoffite found?+
What rocks look like addibischoffite?+
What minerals are found with addibischoffite?+
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Find addibischoffite on the map
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