Moraskoite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral discovered within the iron meteorite fragments of the Morasko meteorite shower in Poland. It typically occurs as small inclusions or grains within the metallic matrix of the meteorite, often associated with other rare phosphides and iron-nickel alloys. Identification is almost exclusively performed via electron microprobe analysis due to the minute size and scarcity of the grains.
Is this moraskoite?
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 moraskoite with a known reference. Moraskoite sits at Mohs 4-5, 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: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Moraskoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside moraskoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with moraskoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Mg(PO₄)F
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.925 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A primary mineral in an IAB-MG iron meteorite, in a graphite-troilite inclusion enclosed in a kamacite-taenite matrix
Where rockhounds find moraskoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Morasko Meteorite nature reserve, near Poznań, Poland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A primary mineral in an IAB-MG iron meteorite, in a graphite-troilite inclusion enclosed in a kamacite-taenite matrix. If you start seeing chlorapatite, buchwaldite, brianite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify moraskoite?+
Where is moraskoite found?+
What rocks look like moraskoite?+
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Find moraskoite on the map
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