Lisiguangite is an exceptionally rare platinum-group sulfide mineral first identified in Chinese nickel-copper deposits. It typically forms as microscopic black metallic grains within complex sulfide matrices, making it a highly sought-after specimen for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this lisiguangite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch lisiguangite with a known reference. Lisiguangite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lisiguangite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lisiguangite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: small acicular or prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Lisiguangite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Lisiguangite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Lisiguangite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lisiguangite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
Often found alongside lisiguangite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lisiguangite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbCuPtS₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Small Acicular or Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel-copper Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ depending on size and provenance
Where rockhounds find lisiguangite
Classic worldwide localities
- Laohushan, Gansu Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-copper sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where lisiguangite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small acicular or prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lisiguangite on the map
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