Zuktamrurite

Chemical formula: FeP<sub>2</sub>

Zuktamrurite is an extremely rare iron phosphide, discovered in pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation in Israel.

## Characteristics Zuktamrurite is a newly described, extremely rare mineral from the phosphide group. It occurs as microscopic, anhedral (irregularly shaped) grains up to 20 micrometers in size, usually intergrown with other equally rare minerals. Due to its size, visual characteristics cannot be assessed with the naked eye. Observed under a microscope in reflected light, it has a creamy-white color with a yellowish tint and does not exhibit pleochroism. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the grains, most physical properties, such as hardness, density, cleavage, or fracture, have not been determined. The mineral is opaque and exhibits a metallic luster. ## Colors and Varieties Observed under a microscope, it has a creamy-white color with a yellow tint. No varieties are known. ## History and Name The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2013 under number 2013-078. Its name honors Zultan (Zuk) Tamrur (1956–2002), an Israeli geologist who made significant contributions to the study of the Hatrurim Formation, where this mineral was discovered. It was described by Evgeny V. Galuskin, Irina O. Galuskina, and co-workers in a 2015 publication. ## Uses Zuktamrurite has no commercial or industrial applications. Its significance is purely scientific and as a collector's item, as an extremely rare component of a unique rock complex.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of zuktamrurite is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques. It requires analysis by backscattered electron (BSE) spectroscopy in conjunction with chemical composition analysis using an electron microprobe (EDS/WDS). In BSE images, zuktamrurite is one of the darkest minerals in the phosphide paragenesis. ## Differentiation from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other iron phosphides, such as barringerite or allabogdanite. Definitive differentiation is only possible based on chemical composition analysis and crystallographic data obtained by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). ## Crystal Forms Zuktamrurite forms exclusively anhedral, irregularly shaped grains up to 20 µm, occurring as inclusions in other minerals or intergrown with them.

Geological environment

## Genesis Zuktamrurite forms under pyrometamorphic conditions, i.e., extremely high temperatures (above 1000°C) and low pressure. It is a product of the natural combustion of bituminous rocks that occurred in the Hatrurim Formation. It forms in a strongly reducing environment, which is a necessary condition for the formation of phosphides. ## Mineral Associations This mineral occurs in close association with other rare phosphides and silicides. It is most commonly accompanied by murashkoite, barringerite, halamishite, transjordanite, as well as diopside, anorthite, zeolites, and silicate glass. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of zuktamrurite in the world is its type locality – the Gurim phosphorite deposit, located in the Hatrurim basin in the Negev Desert, Israel.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a zuktamrurite specimen is determined solely by its scientific verification. Since the mineral is invisible to the naked eye, the value lies in the entire fragment of the host rock with analytically confirmed presence of the mineral. The most valuable samples are those in which zuktamrurite occurs in rich intergrowths with other rare phosphides, allowing for comprehensive paragenetic studies. ## Market Prices Specimens of zuktamrurite practically do not appear on the open market. They are subjects of exchange and research among scientific institutions and specialized micromineral collectors. Their value is conventional and very high due to extreme rarity. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the Hatrurim Formation in Israel. Research and collector material comes exclusively from this single, precisely defined locality.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its microscopic size and occurrence exclusively as inclusions within the host rock, cleaning the mineral itself is neither possible nor necessary. The rock specimen can be gently cleaned with a soft, dry brush to remove dust. ## What to Avoid Avoid all wet cleaning methods, ultrasonic cleaning, and contact with chemicals that could damage both zuktamrurite and the surrounding minerals. Rocks from the Hatrurim Formation may contain minerals unstable in a humid environment. ## Storage Specimens should be stored under stable conditions, away from moisture, dust, and direct sunlight. The best solution is a dry, enclosed "perky box" or display cabinet.

Sources

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