Halamishite is a nickel phosphide that forms dark gray irregular grains. It occurs in a phosphide assemblage related to the Fe-Ni-P system in a pyrometamorphic rock (Hatrurim Formation). Associated minerals include murashkoite, zuktamrurite and transjordanite. It was first described from Along the upper stream of the Halamish Wadi, Hatrurim Basin, southern Negev Desert, Israel.
Is this halamishite?
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 halamishite with a known reference. Halamishite sits at Mohs 7, 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: dark gray.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Halamishite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Halamishite and waxy on Chert.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Halamishite and waxy on Flint.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Halamishite and waxy on Chalcedony.
Often found alongside halamishite
Minerals reported to co-occur with halamishite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₅P₄
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 6.249 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector
- Host rock
- In a phosphide assemblage related to the Fe-Ni-P system in a pyrometamorphic rock (Hatrurim Formation)
Where rockhounds find halamishite
Classic worldwide localities
- Upper stream of the Halamish Wadi, Hatrurim Basin, southern Negev Desert, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a phosphide assemblage related to the Fe-Ni-P system in a pyrometamorphic rock (Hatrurim Formation). If you start seeing murashkoite, zuktamrurite, transjordanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify halamishite?+
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Find halamishite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
