Hapkeite is an extremely rare iron silicide mineral first discovered within lunar meteorites. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within the fusion crust or regolith of meteorites and is characterized by its distinct metallic luster and cubic structure.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Hapkeite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this hapkeite?

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 hapkeite with a known reference. Hapkeite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hapkeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hapkeite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, light gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microscopic grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Iron

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hapkeite leaves white, Iron leaves gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hapkeite leaves white, Suessite leaves black.

Compare →

Often found alongside hapkeite

Minerals reported to co-occur with hapkeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₂Si
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 6.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Light Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Meteorites
Typical price: $500-5000+ per microscopic specimen

Where rockhounds find hapkeite

Classic worldwide localities

Dhofar 280 meteorite (Oman)
Moon (regolith samples)

Field-hunting tip

Look in meteorites country — that is the host setting where hapkeite typically forms. If you start seeing iron, troilite, kamacite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hapkeite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, light gray.

Where is hapkeite found?+

Notable localities include Dhofar 280 meteorite (Oman); Moon (regolith samples).

How much is hapkeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-5000+ per microscopic specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like hapkeite?+

Hapkeite is most often confused with Iron, Suessite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hapkeite?+

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

What kind of rock does hapkeite form in?+

Hapkeite typically forms in meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hapkeite used for?+

Hapkeite is used in collector.

Find hapkeite on the map

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