Andreyivanovite is an extremely rare iron-chromium phosphide discovered in the Kaidun meteorite. It typically occurs as microscopic grains within meteorite matrices and is of significant interest primarily to meteorite researchers and specialized mineral collectors.
Is this andreyivanovite?
4-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 andreyivanovite with a known reference. Andreyivanovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: creamy white.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: inclusions.
Often confused with
Andreyivanovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside andreyivanovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with andreyivanovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeCrP
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 6.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Creamy white
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In microbreccia containing an enormously varied assortment of extraterrestrial fragments of different chondritic and achondritic lithologies
Where rockhounds find andreyivanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kaidun meteorite (South Yemen) (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In microbreccia containing an enormously varied assortment of extraterrestrial fragments of different chondritic and achondritic lithologies. If you start seeing florenskyite, serpentine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify andreyivanovite?+
Where is andreyivanovite found?+
What rocks look like andreyivanovite?+
What minerals are found with andreyivanovite?+
What kind of rock does andreyivanovite form in?+
What is andreyivanovite used for?+
Find andreyivanovite on the map
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