Erlichmanite is a rare osmium sulfide mineral usually found as microscopic grains in platinum-group mineral assemblages. It typically occurs in ultramafic rocks or heavy mineral placer deposits, identified by its metallic luster and high specific gravity.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePyrite Group family

Erlichmanite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this erlichmanite?

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 erlichmanite with a known reference. Erlichmanite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Erlichmanite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Erlichmanite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: small cubes and octahedra, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Laurite

Mohs 7-7.5

How to tell apart: Laurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 5-6).

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Erlichmanite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

Often found alongside erlichmanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: OsS₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 8.3-8.5 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Small Cubes and Octahedra, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks and Placer Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find erlichmanite

Classic worldwide localities

Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Goodnews Bay, Alaska, USA
Tulameen complex, British Columbia, Canada
Ural Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks and placer deposits country, the host setting where erlichmanite typically forms. If you start seeing laurite, chromite, platinum group minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small cubes and octahedra, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify erlichmanite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, iron-black.

Where is erlichmanite found?+

Notable localities include Bushveld Complex, South Africa; Goodnews Bay, Alaska, USA; Tulameen complex, British Columbia, Canada; Ural Mountains, Russia.

How much is erlichmanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like erlichmanite?+

Erlichmanite is most often confused with Laurite, Pyrite, Sperrylite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with erlichmanite?+

Erlichmanite commonly co-occurs with Laurite, Chromite, Platinum group minerals, Olivine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does erlichmanite form in?+

Erlichmanite typically forms in ultramafic igneous rocks and placer deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is erlichmanite used for?+

Erlichmanite is used in collector, research.

Find erlichmanite on the map

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