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, so Danbaite leaves black, Gold leaves golden yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.