Zoharite is a rare barium potassium iron sulfide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2017. It was first described from Halamish outcrops, Hatrurim Complex, Negev Desert, near Arad, Israel.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Zoharite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this zoharite?

5-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 zoharite with a known reference. Zoharite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zoharite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zoharite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Zoharite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 1-1.5).

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Often found alongside zoharite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,K)₆(Fe,Cu,Ni)₂₅S₂₇
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 7.5 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary

Where rockhounds find zoharite

Classic worldwide localities

Zohar deposit, Negev Desert, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary country, the host setting where zoharite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zoharite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark gray.

Where is zoharite found?+

Notable localities include Zohar deposit, Negev Desert, Israel.

Is zoharite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and nickel, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zoharite?+

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

What minerals are found with zoharite?+

Zoharite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zoharite form in?+

Zoharite typically forms in sedimentary. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zoharite used for?+

Zoharite is used in collector.

Find zoharite on the map

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