Allabogdanite is a rare iron nickel phosphide mineral typically found as microscopic grains within iron meteorites. It was first identified in the Onello meteorite and is structurally distinct from other common meteoritic phosphides like schreibersite. It is primarily sought after by advanced meteorite collectors and mineralogists studying extraterrestrial processes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Bright metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Allabogdanite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Bright metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this allabogdanite?

4-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch allabogdanite with a known reference. Allabogdanite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: bright metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light straw yellow.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: lamellar, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

Allabogdanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Schreibersite

Mohs 6.5-7

How to tell apart: Luster reads bright metallic on Allabogdanite and brilliant metallic on Schreibersite.

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Often found alongside allabogdanite

Minerals reported to co-occur with allabogdanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Ni)₂P
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 6.729 g/cm³
Colors: Light straw yellow
Luster: Bright metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Lamellar, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A primary phase in nickel-rich ataxite meteorites

Where rockhounds find allabogdanite

Classic worldwide localities

Halamish Wadi (Nahal Halamish), Hatrurim Basin, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A primary phase in nickel-rich ataxite meteorites. If you start seeing nickelphosphide, schreibersite, awaruite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: lamellar, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify allabogdanite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: bright metallic. Common colors include light straw yellow.

Where is allabogdanite found?+

Notable localities include Halamish Wadi (Nahal Halamish), Hatrurim Basin, Israel.

Is allabogdanite safe to handle?+

Allabogdanite contains nickel. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like allabogdanite?+

Allabogdanite is most often confused with Schreibersite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with allabogdanite?+

Allabogdanite commonly co-occurs with Nickelphosphide, Schreibersite, Awaruite, Graphite, Barringerite, Diopside. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does allabogdanite form in?+

Where it forms: A primary phase in nickel-rich ataxite meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is allabogdanite used for?+

Allabogdanite is used in collector.

Find allabogdanite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.