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

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePhosphide Group family

Tsikourasite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this tsikourasite?

4-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
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
4
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).

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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: 9.182 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a heavy mineral concentrate separated from podiform chromitite hosted in strongly serpentinized dunite from a mantle tectonite composed of harzburgite and minor intercalations of plagioclase-bearing lherzolite

Where rockhounds find tsikourasite

Classic worldwide localities

Agios Stefanos mine, ~10 km south of Domokos, Othrys ophiolite complex, central Greece

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a heavy mineral concentrate separated from podiform chromitite hosted in strongly serpentinized dunite from a mantle tectonite composed of harzburgite and minor intercalations of plagioclase-bearing lherzolite. If you start seeing grammatikopoulosite, nickelphosphide, awaruite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tsikourasite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. Luster: metallic. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is tsikourasite found?+

Notable localities include Agios Stefanos mine, ~10 km south of Domokos, Othrys ophiolite complex, central Greece.

Is tsikourasite safe to handle?+

Tsikourasite contains nickel. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

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 Grammatikopoulosite, Nickelphosphide, Awaruite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsikourasite form in?+

Where it forms: In a heavy mineral concentrate separated from podiform chromitite hosted in strongly serpentinized dunite from a mantle tectonite composed of harzburgite and minor intercalations of plagioclase-bearing lherzolite. 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

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