Danbaite is an extremely rare copper-zinc intermetallic mineral first discovered in China. It typically occurs as minute, silver-white metallic grains embedded in gold-bearing quartz veins or associated with base metal sulfides.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Danbaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this danbaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch danbaite with a known reference. Danbaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Danbaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Danbaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, light yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular, irregular grains.

Often confused with

Danbaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Gold

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Danbaite leaves black, Gold leaves golden yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Danbaite leaves black, Copper leaves copper-red.

Compare →

Often found alongside danbaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with danbaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CuZn₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.05 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Light Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular, Irregular Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find danbaite

Classic worldwide localities

Danba County, Sichuan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where danbaite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify danbaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, light yellow.

Where is danbaite found?+

Notable localities include Danba County, Sichuan Province, China.

How much is danbaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is danbaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and copper; avoid inhaling dust or fine particles, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like danbaite?+

Danbaite is most often confused with Gold, Copper. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with danbaite?+

Danbaite commonly co-occurs with gold, galena, sphalerite, pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does danbaite form in?+

Danbaite typically forms in hydrothermal mineral deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is danbaite used for?+

Danbaite is used in collector.

Find danbaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.