Florenskyite is a extremely rare iron titanium phosphide mineral discovered in the Kaidun meteorite. It occurs as microscopic inclusions within metallic phases and is highly prized by meteorite collectors and researchers for its unique extraterrestrial origin.
Is this florenskyite?
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 florenskyite with a known reference. Florenskyite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Florenskyite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Florenskyite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Florenskyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside florenskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with florenskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeTiP
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 6.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Meteorites
- Typical price
- n/a (extremely limited availability)
Where rockhounds find florenskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kaidun meteorite
Field-hunting tip
Look in meteorites country — that is the host setting where florenskyite typically forms. If you start seeing kamacite, taenite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify florenskyite?+
Where is florenskyite found?+
How much is florenskyite worth?+
What rocks look like florenskyite?+
What minerals are found with florenskyite?+
What kind of rock does florenskyite form in?+
What is florenskyite used for?+
Find florenskyite on the map
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