Laurite is a rare ruthenium sulfide mineral typically found as small, metallic black crystals within platinum group element (PGE) deposits. Collectors often find it as inclusions in chromite or alluvial placer deposits derived from ultramafic rocks. Due to its extreme rarity and high ruthenium content, it is highly prized by advanced mineralogists.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePyrite Group family

Laurite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this laurite?

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 laurite with a known reference. Laurite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laurite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Laurite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: iron-black, grayish-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: small octahedra, pyritohedra, and cubic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyrite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Laurite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

Often found alongside laurite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: RuS₂
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 6.42 g/cm³
Colors: Iron-black Grayish-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Small Octahedra, Pyritohedra, And Cubic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks and Alluvial Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ for high-quality micro-crystals

Where rockhounds find laurite

Classic worldwide localities

Borneo (Malaysia)
Bushveld Complex (South Africa)
Urals (Russia)
Ethiopia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks and alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where laurite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, osmium, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small octahedra, pyritohedra, and cubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify laurite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include iron-black, grayish-black.

Where is laurite found?+

Notable localities include Borneo (Malaysia); Bushveld Complex (South Africa); Urals (Russia); Ethiopia.

How much is laurite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for high-quality micro-crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like laurite?+

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

What minerals are found with laurite?+

Laurite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Osmium, Chromite, Olivine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does laurite form in?+

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

What is laurite used for?+

Laurite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find laurite on the map

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