Linzhiite is a very rare iron silicide mineral discovered in ophiolitic mantle rocks. It typically occurs as minute inclusions within other metallic grains and is mainly of interest for its extreme rarity and unusual geologic origin.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Linzhiite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this linzhiite?

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 linzhiite with a known reference. Linzhiite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Linzhiite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Linzhiite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silvery white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: irregular grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Xifengite

Mohs 6.5

How to tell apart: Xifengite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Linzhiite leaves black, Xifengite leaves gray.

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Often found alongside linzhiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeSi₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: Silvery White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Irregular Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ophiolitic Peridotite
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find linzhiite

Classic worldwide localities

Linzhi, Tibet
Luobusa ophiolite, Tibet

Field-hunting tip

Look in ophiolitic peridotite country — that is the host setting where linzhiite typically forms. If you start seeing iron, osbornite, moissanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify linzhiite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silvery white, gray.

Where is linzhiite found?+

Notable localities include Linzhi, Tibet; Luobusa ophiolite, Tibet.

How much is linzhiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like linzhiite?+

Linzhiite is most often confused with Xifengite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with linzhiite?+

Linzhiite commonly co-occurs with iron, osbornite, moissanite, native chromium. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does linzhiite form in?+

Linzhiite typically forms in ophiolitic peridotite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is linzhiite used for?+

Linzhiite is used in collector.

Find linzhiite on the map

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