Nataliakulikite is a rare calcium titanium iron oxide that forms brown subhedral or prismatic grains. It occurs in high-temperature, pyrometamorphic, larnite-gehlenite rock (HT-region of the spurrite-merwinite facies). It was first described from Nahal Morag Canyon, Negev desert, ~5 km southeast of Arad, Hatrurim Basin, Israel.
Is this nataliakulikite?
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 nataliakulikite with a known reference. Nataliakulikite 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. Nataliakulikite leaves a light brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nataliakulikite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: subhedral or prismatic grains.
Often found alongside nataliakulikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nataliakulikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Ti₂(Fe³⁺,Fe²⁺)(Si,Fe³⁺,Al)O₁₁
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.006 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Subhedral or Prismatic Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks of The Hatrurim Formation
Where rockhounds find nataliakulikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation country, the host setting where nataliakulikite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorapatite, brownmillerite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a subhedral or prismatic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nataliakulikite?+
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Find nataliakulikite on the map
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