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 — Barringerite leaves grey, Schreibersite leaves grey-black.

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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 — that is 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.