Murashkoite is an extremely rare iron phosphide mineral originally discovered in the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as microscopic grains or inclusions within iron-rich environments associated with alkaline igneous rocks.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Murashkoite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this murashkoite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch murashkoite with a known reference. Murashkoite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Murashkoite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Murashkoite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: irregular grains, inclusions in other minerals.

Often confused with

Murashkoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Schreibersite

Mohs 6.5-7

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Murashkoite leaves gray, Schreibersite leaves grey-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Murashkoite leaves gray, Barringerite leaves grey.

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Often found alongside murashkoite

Minerals reported to co-occur with murashkoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: FeP
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 7.15 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Irregular Grains, Inclusions in Other Minerals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: expensive based on rarity and research value

Where rockhounds find murashkoite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Yenisei Ridge, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where murashkoite typically forms. If you start seeing iron, troilite, graphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify murashkoite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is murashkoite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Yenisei Ridge, Russia.

How much is murashkoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive based on rarity and research value. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like murashkoite?+

Murashkoite is most often confused with Schreibersite, Barringerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with murashkoite?+

Murashkoite commonly co-occurs with Iron, Troilite, Graphite, Ilmenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does murashkoite form in?+

Murashkoite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is murashkoite used for?+

Murashkoite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find murashkoite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.