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.
Is this allabogdanite?
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 allabogdanite with a known reference. Allabogdanite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Allabogdanite leaves a grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Allabogdanite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Allabogdanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 6
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Iron Meteorites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find allabogdanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Onyx River, Russia
- Seymchan meteorite, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in iron meteorites country — that is the host setting where allabogdanite typically forms. If you start seeing kamacite, taenite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find allabogdanite on the map
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