Negevite is a nickel phosphide that forms white with a bluish tint irregular grains. It occurs in a phosphide assemblage related to the Fe-Ni-P system in a pyrometamorphic complex (Hatrurim Formation). Associated minerals include murashkoite, zuktamrurite and transjordanite. It was first described from the upper stream of the Halamish Wadi, Hatrurim Basin, southern Negev Desert, Israel, Jordan.
Is this negevite?
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 negevite with a known reference. Negevite sits at Mohs 2.5-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Negevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Negevite typically shows a waxy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, brown, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Negevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside negevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with negevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NiP₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3.5
- Density
- 4.8865 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Metamorphic
Where rockhounds find negevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic country, the host setting where negevite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite 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 negevite?+
Where is negevite found?+
What rocks look like negevite?+
What minerals are found with negevite?+
What kind of rock does negevite form in?+
What is negevite used for?+
Find negevite on the map
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