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
Where rockhounds find kangite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ningqiang meteorite (China)
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country, 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
How do you identify kangite?+
Where is kangite found?+
What rocks look like kangite?+
What minerals are found with kangite?+
What kind of rock does kangite form in?+
What is kangite used for?+
Find kangite on the map
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