Chihuahuaite is a rare iron aluminum oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2009, from material found in Mexico (meteorite).

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Chihuahuaite

Chihuahuaite is a rare iron aluminum oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2009, from material found in Mexico (meteorite).

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this chihuahuaite?

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 chihuahuaite with a known reference. Chihuahuaite sits at Mohs 7-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chihuahuaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chihuahuaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Andradite

Mohs 6.5-7.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Chihuahuaite and adamantine to resinous to dull on Andradite.

Often found alongside chihuahuaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeAl₁₂O₁₉
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.59 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits

Where rockhounds find chihuahuaite

Classic worldwide localities

Chihuahua, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where chihuahuaite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, vesuvianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chihuahuaite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is chihuahuaite found?+

Notable localities include Chihuahua, Mexico.

What rocks look like chihuahuaite?+

Chihuahuaite is most often confused with Andradite, Grossularite Garnet. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chihuahuaite?+

Chihuahuaite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Vesuvianite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chihuahuaite form in?+

Chihuahuaite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chihuahuaite used for?+

Chihuahuaite is used in collector.

Find chihuahuaite on the map

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