Gaotaiite is an extremely rare platinum-group telluride mineral discovered in the platinum-rich deposits of Gansu, China. It is typically found as microscopic grains associated with other base metal sulfides and rare minerals, requiring professional identification methods for confirmation.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Gaotaiite

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

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Is this gaotaiite?

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 gaotaiite with a known reference. Gaotaiite 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. Gaotaiite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gaotaiite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside gaotaiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ir₃Te₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 9.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $200-1000+ for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find gaotaiite

Classic worldwide localities

Gaotai, Gansu Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country, the host setting where gaotaiite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, platinum group minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gaotaiite?+

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

Where is gaotaiite found?+

Notable localities include Gaotai, Gansu Province, China.

How much is gaotaiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ for rare micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is gaotaiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and iridium; do not ingest or inhale dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and store securely to prevent accidental exposure. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like gaotaiite?+

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

What minerals are found with gaotaiite?+

Gaotaiite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Platinum group minerals, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gaotaiite form in?+

Gaotaiite typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gaotaiite used for?+

Gaotaiite is used in collector.

Find gaotaiite on the map

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