Liebermannite is an extremely rare high-pressure silicate mineral identified primarily in shocked meteorites. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within impact melt veins, often associated with other high-pressure phases like stishovite.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareHollandite Group family

Liebermannite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this liebermannite?

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 liebermannite with a known reference. Liebermannite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liebermannite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liebermannite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Liebermannite leaves black, Cryptomelane leaves brownish black; luster reads metallic on Liebermannite and submetallic on Cryptomelane.

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Often found alongside liebermannite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Na,Ba)₁₂(Si,Al,Fe,Mg,Ti)₈O₁₆
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Impact Melt Veins in Meteorites
Typical price: expensive and rarely available for private collection

Where rockhounds find liebermannite

Classic worldwide localities

Wabar Craters, Saudi Arabia

Field-hunting tip

Look in impact melt veins in meteorites country — that is the host setting where liebermannite typically forms. If you start seeing stishovite, ringwoodite, bridgmanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liebermannite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is liebermannite found?+

Notable localities include Wabar Craters, Saudi Arabia.

How much is liebermannite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive and rarely available for private collection. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like liebermannite?+

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

What minerals are found with liebermannite?+

Liebermannite commonly co-occurs with Stishovite, Ringwoodite, Bridgmanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liebermannite form in?+

Liebermannite typically forms in impact melt veins in meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liebermannite used for?+

Liebermannite is used in collector.

Find liebermannite on the map

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