Kangite is an extremely rare metallic mineral first identified as an inclusion within the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. It occurs as microscopic, chemically complex zinc-iron-nickel-platinum alloy grains trapped within the meteorite matrix.
Is this kangite?
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 kangite with a known reference. Kangite sits at Mohs not determined — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kangite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kangite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Kangite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kangite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kangite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Fe,Ni,Pt)₄
- Mohs hardness
- not determined
- Density
- approximately 10.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find kangite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ningqiang meteorite (China)
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where kangite typically forms. If you start seeing troilite, pentlandite, kamacite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kangite on the map
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