Polished section (from microprobe analysis) of the extremely rare mineral nickelphosphide from the type locality in Butler meteorite (plessitic octahedrit iron anomalous). Associated minerals are taenite and kamacite. Ex.Dr.Hartel specimen, ex Christian Rewitzer specimen. Very old find from 1874! — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nickelphosphide
Nickelphosphide is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the native element class, with the chemical formula Ni₃P.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I-4).
Key properties: specific gravity 7.61; Metallic luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Nic, IMA status: approved, named in 1998.
Found in meteorites.
It is found associated with Kamacite, taenite, carlsbergite, schreibersite, barringerite (Butler); allabogdanite (Onello).
Alludes to the composition.