Schreibersite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Schreibersite is a rare iron nickel phosphide mineral, (Fe,Ni)3P, found in iron-nickel meteorites. Another name used for the mineral is rhabdite. It forms tetragonal crystals with perfect 001 cleavage. Its color ranges from bronze to brass yellow to silver white. It has a density of 7.5 and a hardness of 6.5 - 7. It is opaque with a metallic luster and a dark gray streak.
Schreibersite is reported from the Magura Meteorite, Arva, Slovak Republic; the Sikhote-Alin Meteorite in eastern Russia; the Sau Luiao de Moreira Meteorite, Viana do Castelo, Portugal; and numerous other locations including the Moon.
Recent research at the University of Arizona has suggested that Schreibersite and other meteoric phosphorus bearing minerals may be the ultimate source for the phosphorus that is so important for life on Earth.
