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

Grey

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Barringerite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Grey
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 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barringerite leaves a grey streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barringerite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white, gray.
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: Schreibersite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 5); streak differs, so Barringerite leaves grey, Schreibersite leaves grey-black.

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: 5
Density: 6.5-6.6 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white Gray
Streak: Grey
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Iron Meteorites
Typical price: $100-500 for small fragments

Where rockhounds find barringerite

Classic worldwide localities

Toluca meteorite
Canyon Diablo meteorite
Odessa meteorite
Magura meteorite

Field-hunting tip

Look in iron meteorites country, the host setting where barringerite typically forms. If you start seeing schreibersite, kamacite, taenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barringerite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is grey. Common colors include white, silver-white, gray.

Where is barringerite found?+

Notable localities include Toluca meteorite; Canyon Diablo meteorite; Odessa meteorite; Magura meteorite.

How much is barringerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small fragments. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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 Schreibersite, Kamacite, Taenite, Troilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barringerite form in?+

Barringerite typically forms in iron meteorites. 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.