Polekhovskyite is a rare copper zinc phosphide mineral discovered in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation. It typically occurs as microscopic grains associated with other high-temperature mineral assemblages and is recognized primarily through advanced analytical techniques like electron microprobe analysis.
Is this polekhovskyite?
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 polekhovskyite with a known reference. Polekhovskyite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Polekhovskyite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Polekhovskyite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Polekhovskyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside polekhovskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with polekhovskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuZnP
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find polekhovskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dead Sea region, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country, the host setting where polekhovskyite typically forms. If you start seeing corundum, fluornatromicrolite, anorthite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify polekhovskyite?+
Where is polekhovskyite found?+
What rocks look like polekhovskyite?+
What minerals are found with polekhovskyite?+
What kind of rock does polekhovskyite form in?+
What is polekhovskyite used for?+
Find polekhovskyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
