Lapieite is an exceptionally rare sulfosalt mineral primarily known from its type locality at the Lapie River in Yukon, Canada. It typically occurs as minute anhedral grains within complex sulfide-rich hydrothermal veins associated with other nickel and copper minerals.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Lapieite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this lapieite?

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 lapieite with a known reference. Lapieite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lapieite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lapieite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Ullmannite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Ullmannite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3-3.5).

How to tell apart: Gersdorffite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs, so Lapieite leaves black, Gersdorffite leaves grayish-black.

Compare →

Often found alongside lapieite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuNiSbS₃
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find lapieite

Classic worldwide localities

Lapie River, Yukon Territory, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary rocks country, the host setting where lapieite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, gersdorffite 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 lapieite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, black.

Where is lapieite found?+

Notable localities include Lapie River, Yukon Territory, Canada.

How much is lapieite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 for rare micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is lapieite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, copper, and antimony. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lapieite?+

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

What minerals are found with lapieite?+

Lapieite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Gersdorffite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lapieite form in?+

Lapieite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lapieite used for?+

Lapieite is used in collector.

Find lapieite on the map

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