Murashkoite

Chemical formula: FeP

Murashkoite is an extremely rare iron phosphide, discovered in an iron meteorite and known from only a few microscopic grains.

## Characteristics Murashkoite is a mineral with a metallic appearance, occurring as extremely small, irregular grains not exceeding 150 micrometers in size. It is typically intergrown with other meteoritic minerals, mainly kamacite. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, its visual characteristics are difficult to assess without specialized equipment. ## Physical Properties Murashkoite grains exhibit a strong, metallic luster. The mineral is opaque. Hardness and density have not been precisely measured due to the lack of sufficiently large material for study. ## Colors and Varieties Observed in reflected light, it has a creamy white color with a slight pinkish tint. It does not exhibit pleochroism. No varieties are known. ## History and Name The mineral was officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2014 (IMA2014-071). Its name honors Mikhail Nikolaevich Murashko (born 1940), a Russian geologist and specialist in metallogeny, who made significant contributions to geological research in the Norilsk region of Siberia. It was discovered in the Kaʻohe iron meteorite, found in Hawaii, USA. ## Applications Murashkoite has no practical applications. It is solely an object of scientific and collecting interest in the field of meteoritic mineralogy.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of murashkoite is possible only through advanced laboratory methods, such as reflected light microscopy, electron microprobe (EDS/WDS) for chemical composition analysis, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) for crystal structure determination. It is distinguished by its creamy white color with a pinkish tint in reflected light. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other meteoritic phosphides, such as schreibersite ((Fe,Ni)₃P) or allabogdanite ((Fe,Ni)₂P). Differentiation requires precise analysis of the iron to phosphorus ratio. Unlike schreibersite, murashkoite does not contain significant amounts of nickel. ## Crystal Forms It is observed only in the form of anhedral (irregular) grains, intergrown with other minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Murashkoite is a mineral of extraterrestrial origin. It forms under strongly reducing conditions within the parent bodies of asteroids from which iron meteorites originate. It crystallizes from an iron- and phosphorus-rich metallic phase during the very slow cooling of the asteroid's core. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with minerals typical of iron meteorites, primarily kamacite (iron-nickel alloy), as well as schreibersite and cohenite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence (type locality) is the Kaʻohe iron meteorite, found in 1999 near Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaiʻi Island, USA.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a specimen with murashkoite is determined by the quality of the meteorite fragment itself in which it is found. For scientific and collecting purposes, it is crucial to have a polished section where murashkoite grains are visible and have been analytically confirmed. The size and clarity of these microscopic grains enhance the specimen's value. ## Popular Localities The only source of murashkoite is the Kaʻohe meteorite from Hawaii. Material from this meteorite is extremely rare on the collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing murashkoite (typically meteorite fragments) should not be wet-cleaned. Dust can only be removed using a soft brush or compressed air. ## What to Avoid Contact with water, moisture, and chemicals must be strictly avoided, as the mineral is a phosphide that can easily oxidize and decompose in a humid environment. It should be protected from temperature changes. ## Storage Store in stable conditions, preferably in a closed, airtight container (e.g., a membrane box) with a desiccant (silica gel). Exposure should be away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Sources

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