What is Krotite?
Krotite is a rare calcium aluminium oxide first recognised in a calcium-aluminium-rich inclusion, making it a key mineral for early Solar System research.
Mineralogy and crystal structure
Reference formula: CaAl2O4. Krotite has a monoclinic CaAl2O4 structure and is a refractory calcium-aluminium phase. It is commonly microscopic in meteorites, so the specimen label and analytical provenance are more important than hand-sample appearance. Krotite is classified with oxides and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 5–6 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 2.9–3.0.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include colourless, white, grey, brown. The usual granular, prismatic, massive habit and vitreous, pearly lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Krotite forms in or is associated with high-temperature refractory inclusions in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites and rare terrestrial analogues. Important documented localities include carbonaceous chondrites and meteorite collections worldwide.
A microscopic mineral with a cosmic résumé
Krotite offers collectors a rare combination: a modest-looking phase with a direct link to the first high-temperature solids formed in the Solar System. It is an excellent micro-mineral or meteorite-reference piece for a scientifically minded cabinet.
Collecting and care
Protect meteorite fragments from contamination and abrasion; retain chain of custody and analytical documentation.
