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.
Transparency
Opaque
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
- MoNiP
- Density
- 8.27 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Barringerite group
Where rockhounds find monipite
Classic worldwide localities
- Allende meteorite, Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Barringerite group. If you start seeing apatite, tugarovinite, awaruite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
Where is monipite found?+
Notable localities include Allende meteorite, Pueblito de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico (type locality).
Is monipite safe to handle?+
Monipite contains nickel. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.
What minerals are found with monipite?+
Monipite commonly co-occurs with Apatite, Tugarovinite, Awaruite, Kamokite, Vanadian magnetite, Melilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does monipite form in?+
Where it forms: Barringerite group. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is monipite used for?+
Monipite is used in collector.
Find monipite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
