Transjordanite is a rare nickel phosphide, grayish white with a bright metallic luster. It occurs as irregular grains in a pyrometamorphic phosphide assemblage between calcined sediments, and has also been found in the Cambria iron meteorite. It was first described from the Daba-Siwaqa complex, Transjordan Plateau, Jordan.
Is this transjordanite?
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 transjordanite with a known reference. Transjordanite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Transjordanite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Transjordanite typically shows a bright metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: grayish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: irregular grains to 0.2 mm.
Often confused with
Transjordanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Jasper is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 4-5); streak differs, so Transjordanite leaves gray, Jasper leaves white; luster reads bright metallic on Transjordanite and waxy on Jasper.
How to tell apart: Flint Nodule is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 4-5); streak differs, so Transjordanite leaves gray, Flint Nodule leaves white; luster reads bright metallic on Transjordanite and waxy on Flint Nodule.
How to tell apart: Carnelian is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 4-5); streak differs, so Transjordanite leaves gray, Carnelian leaves white; luster reads bright metallic on Transjordanite and vitreous to waxy on Carnelian.
Often found alongside transjordanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with transjordanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₂P
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Bright Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains to 0.2 Mm
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Sedimentary
Where rockhounds find transjordanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jordan
- Israel
- Saudi Arabia
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary country, the host setting where transjordanite typically forms. If you start seeing murashkoite, zuktamrurite, negevite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains to 0.2 mm habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like transjordanite?+
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Find transjordanite on the map
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