Barringerite is an extremely rare iron-nickel phosphide mineral found almost exclusively in iron meteorites. It typically appears as metallic, silver-white grains associated with schreibersite in extraterrestrial samples. For collectors, it is considered a premier specimen for those focusing on meteoritics and rare cosmic minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Barringerite

Hardness: >7
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this barringerite?

5-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 barringerite with a known reference. Barringerite sits at Mohs >7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: gray.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Schreibersite

Mohs 6.5-7

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barringerite leaves gray, Schreibersite leaves dark gray; luster reads metallic on Barringerite and brilliant metallic on Schreibersite.

Compare →

Often found alongside barringerite

Minerals reported to co-occur with barringerite. 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: >7
Density: 6.92 g/cm³
Colors: Gray white
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Along the contacts between schreibersite and troilite in a Fe–Ni meteorite (Ollague); as a single grain in a brecciated lunar meteorite of mixed mare and highland origin (Y-793274 meteorite)

Where rockhounds find barringerite

Classic worldwide localities

Yamato-793274 meteorite, from the Moon

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Along the contacts between schreibersite and troilite in a Fe–Ni meteorite (Ollague); as a single grain in a brecciated lunar meteorite of mixed mare and highland origin (Y-793274 meteorite). If you start seeing kamacite, olivine, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barringerite?+

Mohs hardness is >7. Luster: metallic. The streak is gray. Common colors include gray white.

Where is barringerite found?+

Notable localities include Yamato-793274 meteorite, from the Moon.

Is barringerite safe to handle?+

Barringerite 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 barringerite?+

Barringerite 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 barringerite?+

Barringerite commonly co-occurs with Kamacite, Olivine, Schreibersite, Troilite, Plagioclase, Wüstite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barringerite form in?+

Where it forms: Along the contacts between schreibersite and troilite in a Fe–Ni meteorite (Ollague); as a single grain in a brecciated lunar meteorite of mixed mare and highland origin (Y-793274 meteorite). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barringerite used for?+

Barringerite is used in collector.

Find barringerite on the map

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