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 — 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 — that is 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.