Tsikourasite is an extremely rare molybdenum nickel phosphide first described from the Othrys ophiolite complex in Greece. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other rare phosphides within chromite ores.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePhosphide Group family

Tsikourasite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tsikourasite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Molybdenite

Mohs 1-1.5

How to tell apart: Tsikourasite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 1-1.5); streak differs — Tsikourasite leaves gray, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside tsikourasite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mo₃NiP
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ophiolitic Chromitite
Typical price: very high (research specimen only)

Where rockhounds find tsikourasite

Classic worldwide localities

Othrys ophiolite, Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in ophiolitic chromitite country — that is the host setting where tsikourasite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, pentlandite, nickel-phosphides 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 tsikourasite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is tsikourasite found?+

Notable localities include Othrys ophiolite, Greece.

How much is tsikourasite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of very high (research specimen only). Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like tsikourasite?+

Tsikourasite is most often confused with Molybdenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tsikourasite?+

Tsikourasite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Pentlandite, Nickel-phosphides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsikourasite form in?+

Tsikourasite typically forms in ophiolitic chromitite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tsikourasite used for?+

Tsikourasite is used in collector.

Find tsikourasite on the map

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