Majindeite is a rare magnesium molybdenum oxide. It occurs in a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. It was first described from material found in Mexico (meteorite).
Is this majindeite?
5-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 majindeite with a known reference. Majindeite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Majindeite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Majindeite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains and aggregates.
Often confused with
Majindeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Majindeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Majindeite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Majindeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-1.5); streak differs, so Majindeite leaves black, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.
Often found alongside majindeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with majindeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂Mo₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.54 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains and Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary-hosted Lead-zinc Deposits
Where rockhounds find majindeite
Classic worldwide localities
- material found in Mexico (meteorite)
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary-hosted lead-zinc deposits country, the host setting where majindeite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains and aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find majindeite on the map
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