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
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find polekhovskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dead Sea region, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country — that is 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
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Find polekhovskyite on the map
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