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 — Malhmoodite leaves yellow, Strengite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Malhmoodite and vitreous on Strengite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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