Liebenbergite is a very rare nickel-dominant member of the olivine group. It is primarily identified in nickel-rich geological environments where it forms through the alteration of primary ultramafic minerals.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareOlivine Group family

Liebenbergite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this liebenbergite?

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 liebenbergite with a known reference. Liebenbergite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liebenbergite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liebenbergite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside liebenbergite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni₂SiO₄
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks and Nickel-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small analytical-grade specimens

Where rockhounds find liebenbergite

Classic worldwide localities

Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa
Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks and nickel-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where liebenbergite typically forms. If you start seeing trevorite, bunsenite, millerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liebenbergite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green, brown.

Where is liebenbergite found?+

Notable localities include Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa; Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa.

How much is liebenbergite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small analytical-grade specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is liebenbergite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which is a skin sensitizer and toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like liebenbergite?+

Liebenbergite is most often confused with Forsterite, Fayalite, Peridot. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with liebenbergite?+

Liebenbergite commonly co-occurs with Trevorite, Bunsenite, Millerite, Serpentine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liebenbergite form in?+

Liebenbergite typically forms in ultramafic rocks and nickel-rich hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liebenbergite used for?+

Liebenbergite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find liebenbergite on the map

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