Donwilhelmsite is a rare high-pressure mineral discovered in lunar meteorites that formed during impact events on the Moon. It is a structural polymorph of anorthite and typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within impact-melted breccias.
Is this donwilhelmsite?
3-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Donwilhelmsite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 2Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Donwilhelmsite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside donwilhelmsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with donwilhelmsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₄Si₂O₁₁
- Density
- 3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Lunar Impact Melt
Where rockhounds find donwilhelmsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dhofar 025 meteorite
- Lunar meteorites
Field-hunting tip
Look in lunar impact melt country, the host setting where donwilhelmsite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, pyroxene, maskelynite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify donwilhelmsite?+
Where is donwilhelmsite found?+
What rocks look like donwilhelmsite?+
What minerals are found with donwilhelmsite?+
What kind of rock does donwilhelmsite form in?+
What is donwilhelmsite used for?+
Find donwilhelmsite on the map
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