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

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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 — Laflammeite leaves black, Braggite leaves gray.

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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 — that is 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.