  The observation of meson and baryon grouping in the $R_{CP}$ and $v_2$
measurements at intermediate $p_T$ has been interpreted as a manifestation of
bulk partonic matter hadronization through multi-parton dynamics such as
recombination of partons. $\phi$ mesons provide unique sensitivity to test
these theoretical scenarios, since the $\phi$ has a mass heavier than the
proton and close to the hyperons. The $R_{CP}$ and $v_2$ measurements of $\phi$
mesons from Run IV Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV at STAR are
presented. Energy and colliding system dependence of the $\phi$ yields at
mid-rapidity are discussed. The results are compared to the measurements of
other hadrons. Properties of strange quarks in the bulk matter at hadron
formation are discussed.
