Halamishite is a nickel phosphide that forms dark gray irregular grains. It occurs in a phosphide assemblage related to the Fe-Ni-P system in a pyrometamorphic rock (Hatrurim Formation). Associated minerals include murashkoite, zuktamrurite and transjordanite. It was first described from Along the upper stream of the Halamish Wadi, Hatrurim Basin, southern Negev Desert, Israel.
Is this halamishite?
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 halamishite with a known reference. Halamishite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Halamishite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Halamishite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Halamishite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Halamishite and waxy on Flint Nodule.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Halamishite and waxy on Flint.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Halamishite and waxy on Chalcedony.
Often found alongside halamishite
Minerals reported to co-occur with halamishite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₅P₄
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 6.249 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary
Where rockhounds find halamishite
Classic worldwide localities
- Israel
- Palestine
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary country, the host setting where halamishite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify halamishite?+
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What rocks look like halamishite?+
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Find halamishite on the map
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