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.

Hardness

Mohs

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Lisiguangite

Hardness: 2.5
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this lisiguangite?

3-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 lisiguangite with a known reference. Lisiguangite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead gray.
3
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Chalcopyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5).

How to tell apart: Cooperite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2.5).

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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: CuPtBiS₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.42 g/cm³
Colors: Lead gray
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Euhedral crystals
Cleavage: Perfect on {010}, distinct on {001}, visible on {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Of contact metamorphic origin, along veins in an exoskarn associated with mafic igneous rocks (garnet pyroxenite)

Where rockhounds find lisiguangite

Classic worldwide localities

Sandao Village, 250 km northeast of Beijing, Yanshan Mountains, Hebei Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Of contact metamorphic origin, along veins in an exoskarn associated with mafic igneous rocks (garnet pyroxenite). If you start seeing bornite, galena, carrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lisiguangite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. Common colors include lead gray.

Where is lisiguangite found?+

Notable localities include Sandao Village, 250 km northeast of Beijing, Yanshan Mountains, Hebei Province, China.

Is lisiguangite safe to handle?+

Lisiguangite contains copper. Contains lead and copper, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when cleaning specimens.

What rocks look like lisiguangite?+

Lisiguangite is most often confused with Galena, Chalcopyrite, Cooperite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lisiguangite?+

Lisiguangite commonly co-occurs with Bornite, Galena, Carrolite, Molybdenite, Pyrite, Tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lisiguangite form in?+

Where it forms: Of contact metamorphic origin, along veins in an exoskarn associated with mafic igneous rocks (garnet pyroxenite). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lisiguangite used for?+

Lisiguangite is used in collector.

Find lisiguangite on the map

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