Nixonite is a rare sodium titanium oxide that forms microcrystalline aggregates. Associated minerals include rutile, priderite and perovskite. It was first described from the Darby kimberlite field, ~200 km southwest of Kugaaruk, Nunavut, Canada.
Is this nixonite?
3-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 nixonite with a known reference. Nixonite sits at Mohs 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Nixonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nixonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nixonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ti₆O₁₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.51 g/cm³
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- skarn deposits
Where rockhounds find nixonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Darby kimberlite field, ~200 km southwest of Kugaaruk, Nunavut, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: skarn deposits. If you start seeing rutile, priderite, perovskite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nixonite?+
Where is nixonite found?+
What rocks look like nixonite?+
What minerals are found with nixonite?+
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What is nixonite used for?+
Find nixonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
