Schreibersite is a rare nickel-iron phosphide mineral found almost exclusively in iron meteorites. It typically appears as metallic, brass-yellow to tin-white inclusions or acicular needles embedded within the Widmanstätten patterns of meteoritic iron.
Is this schreibersite?
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 schreibersite with a known reference. Schreibersite sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schreibersite leaves a grey-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schreibersite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, silver-white, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: acicular crystals, platey aggregates, grains, massive.
Often confused with
Schreibersite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Schreibersite leaves grey-black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.
How to tell apart: Schreibersite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Schreibersite leaves grey-black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
How to tell apart: Schreibersite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Schreibersite leaves grey-black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.
Often found alongside schreibersite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schreibersite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe,Ni)₃P
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 7.0-7.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grey-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Platey Aggregates, Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Meteoritic Research
- Host rock
- Iron Meteorites
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen size and association with meteoritic iron
Where rockhounds find schreibersite
Classic worldwide localities
- Campo del Cielo, Argentina
- Toluca, Mexico
- Canyon Diablo, USA
- Sikhote-Alin, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in iron meteorites country, the host setting where schreibersite typically forms. If you start seeing kamacite, taenite, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, platey aggregates, grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like schreibersite?+
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Find schreibersite on the map
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