Khamrabaevite
A variety of Minerals
What is Khamrabaevite?
Titanium carbide, TiC, is an extremely hard (Mohs 9–9.5) refractory ceramic material, similar to tungsten carbide. It has the appearance of black powder with the sodium chloride (face-centered cubic) crystal structure. It occurs in nature as a form of the very rare mineral khamrabaevite (Russian: Хамрабаевит) - (Ti,V,Fe)C. It was discovered in 1984 on Mount Arashan in the Chatkal District, USSR (modern Kyrgyzstan), near the Uzbek border. The mineral was named after Ibragim Khamrabaevich Khamrabaev, director of Geology and Geophysics of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As found in nature its crystals range in size from 0.1 to 0.3mm.
Uses & Applications
Titanium carbide is used in preparation of cermets, which are frequently used to machine steel materials at high cutting speed. It is also used as an abrasion-resistant surface coating on metal parts, such as tool bits and watch mechanisms. Titanium carbide is also used as a heat shield coating for atmospheric reentry of spacecraft. 7075 aluminium alloy (AA7075) is almost as strong as steel, but weighs one third as much. Using thin AA7075 rods with TiC nanoparticles allows larger alloys pieces to be welded without phase-segregation induced cracks.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Khamrabaevite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Khamrabaevite Localities Map
See where Khamrabaevite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Khamrabaevite
Titanium carbide has an elastic modulus of approximately 400 GPa and a shear modulus of 188 GPa.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- dark gray
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 9 - 9.5
- Density
- 10.01 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Ti,V,Fe)C
- Elements
- C, Fe, Ti, V
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Khamrabaevite FAQs
How do I identify Khamrabaevite?
Khamrabaevite can be identified by its hardness of 9 - 9.5 on the Mohs scale, dark gray color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Khamrabaevite?
Khamrabaevite typically appears in dark gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Khamrabaevite?
Khamrabaevite has a hardness of 9 - 9.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
What is the characteristics of khamrabaevite of Khamrabaevite?
Titanium carbide has an elastic modulus of approximately 400 GPa and a shear modulus of 188 GPa.
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