Hunchunite is a rare gold-lead intermetallic mineral first discovered in the gold deposits of Hunchun, China. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions or grains associated with native gold and silver in hydrothermal vein systems.
Is this hunchunite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch hunchunite with a known reference. Hunchunite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray, silver gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions.
Often confused with
Hunchunite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hunchunite leaves white, Gold leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hunchunite leaves white, Silver leaves silver-white.
How to tell apart: Hunchunite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Hunchunite leaves white, Galena leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside hunchunite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hunchunite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Au₂Pb
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains, inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In gold concentrates from placers
Where rockhounds find hunchunite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sandogou placers, along the Hunchun River, Jilin Province, China (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In gold concentrates from placers. If you start seeing gold, lead, anyuiite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hunchunite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
