Malhmoodite is a rare hydrated iron zirconium phosphate mineral typically found as small, thin, platy crystals. It is primarily known from the unique phosphate-rich localities in the Yukon Territory, often occurring in association with other rare secondary phosphates. Collectors prize it for its specific association with iron-rich sedimentary environments.
Is this malhmoodite?
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 malhmoodite with a known reference. Malhmoodite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Malhmoodite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Malhmoodite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Malhmoodite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Malhmoodite leaves yellow, Strengite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Malhmoodite and vitreous on Strengite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Malhmoodite leaves yellow, Phosphosiderite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Malhmoodite and vitreous on Phosphosiderite.
Often found alongside malhmoodite
Minerals reported to co-occur with malhmoodite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeZr(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 4.96 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find malhmoodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary iron formations country, the host setting where malhmoodite typically forms. If you start seeing ludlamite, vivianite, childrenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find malhmoodite on the map
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