Zuktamrurite is an extremely rare phosphide mineral first discovered in the Hatrurim Basin of Israel. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within other minerals in pyrometamorphic geological settings created by natural combustion events.
Is this zuktamrurite?
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 zuktamrurite with a known reference. Zuktamrurite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zuktamrurite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zuktamrurite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel-gray, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Zuktamrurite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Zuktamrurite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Zuktamrurite leaves gray, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Zuktamrurite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Zuktamrurite leaves gray, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside zuktamrurite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zuktamrurite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnP₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 9.2-9.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find zuktamrurite
Classic worldwide localities
- Zuk Tamrur, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where zuktamrurite typically forms. If you start seeing barite, fluorapatite, tridymite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zuktamrurite?+
Where is zuktamrurite found?+
How much is zuktamrurite worth?+
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What rocks look like zuktamrurite?+
What minerals are found with zuktamrurite?+
What kind of rock does zuktamrurite form in?+
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Find zuktamrurite on the map
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