Shenzhuangite is an extremely rare iron-nickel sulfide mineral typically found in meteorites. It occurs as microscopic anhedral grains, most commonly identified during advanced geochemical analysis of meteoritic samples.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Shenzhuangite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this shenzhuangite?

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 shenzhuangite with a known reference. Shenzhuangite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shenzhuangite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shenzhuangite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pentlandite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shenzhuangite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

How to tell apart: Pyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Shenzhuangite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

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Often found alongside shenzhuangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeNiS₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Meteorites

Where rockhounds find shenzhuangite

Classic worldwide localities

Shenzhuang, China
various meteorites

Field-hunting tip

Look in meteorites country, the host setting where shenzhuangite typically forms. If you start seeing troilite, kamacite, taenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shenzhuangite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is shenzhuangite found?+

Notable localities include Shenzhuang, China; various meteorites.

Is shenzhuangite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which is a skin irritant and potential carcinogen if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shenzhuangite?+

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

What minerals are found with shenzhuangite?+

Shenzhuangite commonly co-occurs with troilite, kamacite, taenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shenzhuangite form in?+

Shenzhuangite typically forms in meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shenzhuangite used for?+

Shenzhuangite is used in collector.

Find shenzhuangite on the map

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