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?
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 nixonite with a known reference. Nixonite sits at Mohs 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nixonite leaves a brownish black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nixonite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look 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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nixonite leaves brownish black, Manaccanite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nixonite leaves brownish black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Nixonite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
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
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish Black
- 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, Nunavut, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where nixonite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, chalcopyrite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nixonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
