Laflammeite is an extremely rare platinum group mineral primarily found as minute grains within ultramafic igneous complexes. It is a lead-platinum sulfide that requires microscopic analysis for positive identification due to its microscopic size and appearance similar to other platinum minerals.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Laflammeite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this laflammeite?

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 laflammeite with a known reference. Laflammeite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laflammeite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Laflammeite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cooperite

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Cooperite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 1.5-2).

How to tell apart: Braggite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Laflammeite leaves black, Braggite leaves gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside laflammeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pt₃Pb₂S₂
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 9.9 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find laflammeite

Classic worldwide localities

Stillwater complex, Montana, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where laflammeite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify laflammeite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is laflammeite found?+

Notable localities include Stillwater complex, Montana, USA.

How much is laflammeite 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.

Is laflammeite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and platinum group metals; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust during sample preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like laflammeite?+

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

What minerals are found with laflammeite?+

Laflammeite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Pyrrhotite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does laflammeite form in?+

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

What is laflammeite used for?+

Laflammeite is used in collector.

Find laflammeite on the map

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