Lenaite is an extremely rare silver-iron sulfide mineral typically found in epithermal gold-silver deposits. Because of its scarcity and small grain size, it is almost exclusively a specimen for advanced micromineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Lenaite

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

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Is this lenaite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chalcopyrite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lenaite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

How to tell apart: Lenaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1-1.5).

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Often found alongside lenaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: AgFeS₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 for micro-mounts or small specimens

Where rockhounds find lenaite

Classic worldwide localities

Lena River Basin, Russia
Japan
Romania

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where lenaite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcopyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lenaite?+

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

Where is lenaite found?+

Notable localities include Lena River Basin, Russia; Japan; Romania.

How much is lenaite worth?+

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

Is lenaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver and iron-sulfide components; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or contamination. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lenaite?+

Lenaite is most often confused with Chalcopyrite, Acanthite, Sternbergite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lenaite?+

Lenaite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lenaite form in?+

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

What is lenaite used for?+

Lenaite is used in collector.

Find lenaite on the map

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