Shenzhuangite is an extremely rare iron-nickel sulfide mineral typically found in meteorites. It occurs as microscopic anhedral grains, most commonly identified during advanced geochemical analysis of meteoritic samples.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Shenzhuangite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Transparency: Opaque

Is this shenzhuangite?

2-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 shenzhuangite with a known reference. Shenzhuangite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Pyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3.5-4).

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Often found alongside shenzhuangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeNiS₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.013 g/cm³
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In shock melt veins less than 300 μm thick in a meteorite; in spherical heterogeneous, two-phase sulfide inclusions less than 10 μm in terrestrial tektites

Where rockhounds find shenzhuangite

Classic worldwide localities

Shenzhuang, China
Various meteorites

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In shock melt veins less than 300 μm thick in a meteorite; in spherical heterogeneous, two-phase sulfide inclusions less than 10 μm in terrestrial tektites. If you start seeing taenite, forsterite, pyroxene 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 shenzhuangite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4.

Where is shenzhuangite found?+

Notable localities include Shenzhuang, China; Various meteorites.

Is shenzhuangite safe to handle?+

Shenzhuangite contains nickel. Contains nickel, which is a skin irritant and potential carcinogen if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like shenzhuangite?+

Shenzhuangite is most often confused with Pentlandite, Pyrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shenzhuangite?+

Shenzhuangite commonly co-occurs with Taenite, Forsterite, Pyroxene, Plagioclase glass, Troilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shenzhuangite form in?+

Where it forms: In shock melt veins less than 300 μm thick in a meteorite; in spherical heterogeneous, two-phase sulfide inclusions less than 10 μm in terrestrial tektites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shenzhuangite used for?+

Shenzhuangite is used in collector.

Find shenzhuangite on the map

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