Niningerite is a rare magnesium-iron sulfide mineral found almost exclusively in enstatite chondrite meteorites. It typically occurs as small, interstitial grains within the meteorite matrix and is highly sensitive to terrestrial weathering, making it difficult to find in pristine condition.
Is this niningerite?
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 niningerite with a known reference. Niningerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Niningerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Niningerite leaves brown, Alabandite leaves dark green; luster reads metallic on Niningerite and submetallic on Alabandite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Niningerite leaves brown, Troilite leaves dark grayish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Niningerite leaves brown, Sphalerite leaves pale brown to pale yellow and white; luster reads metallic on Niningerite and resinous to adamantine on Sphalerite.
Often found alongside niningerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with niningerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MgS
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.21-3.59 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Scientific research, Meteorite study
- Host rock
- In less extensively metamorphosed enstatite chondrite meteorites
Where rockhounds find niningerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Indarch (type locality), St. Marks (type locality), Kota-Kota (type locality), Qingzhen, Yamoto 691, Yamoto 74370, South Oman, Kaidun, etc. enstatite chondrite meteorites
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In less extensively metamorphosed enstatite chondrite meteorites. If you start seeing nickel-iron, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify niningerite?+
Where is niningerite found?+
What rocks look like niningerite?+
What minerals are found with niningerite?+
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Find niningerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
