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 — 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 — that is 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.