Monipite is an extremely rare phosphide mineral first discovered within the Khatyrka meteorite. It typically appears as tiny microscopic grains associated with other rare meteoritic minerals in high-pressure extraterrestrial environments.
Is this monipite?
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 monipite with a known reference. Monipite sits at Mohs null — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Monipite leaves a null streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Monipite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often found alongside monipite
Minerals reported to co-occur with monipite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mo₃NiP
- Mohs hardness
- null
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Null
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorite
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find monipite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khatyrka meteorite, Koryak Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite country — that is the host setting where monipite typically forms. If you start seeing icosahedrite, hattite, steinhardtite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find monipite on the map
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