Khurayyimite is an extremely rare calcium silicate mineral discovered in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Daba-Siwaqa complex in Jordan. It typically occurs as small, colorless platy crystals associated with other rare high-temperature mineral phases. It is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors due to its limited type locality and unique chemical composition.
Is this khurayyimite?
4-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 khurayyimite with a known reference. Khurayyimite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Khurayyimite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₇Zn₄(Si₂O₇)₂(OH)₁₀·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In pyrometamorphic rock
Where rockhounds find khurayyimite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khurayyim, Jordan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In pyrometamorphic rock. If you start seeing hatrurim complex, jordan in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify khurayyimite?+
Where is khurayyimite found?+
What rocks look like khurayyimite?+
What minerals are found with khurayyimite?+
What kind of rock does khurayyimite form in?+
What is khurayyimite used for?+
Find khurayyimite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
