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 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: cream white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Malhmoodite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 3
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Secondary mineral on bladed kolbeckite in pyroxenite vanadium ores
Where rockhounds find malhmoodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wilson Springs (Potash Sulfur Springs), Garland Co., Arkansas, USA (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Secondary mineral on bladed kolbeckite in pyroxenite vanadium ores. If you start seeing ludlamite, vivianite, childrenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify malhmoodite?+
Where is malhmoodite found?+
What rocks look like malhmoodite?+
What minerals are found with malhmoodite?+
What kind of rock does malhmoodite form in?+
What is malhmoodite used for?+
Find malhmoodite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
