Liuite is a rare tungsten carbide mineral discovered within the Suizhou meteorite in China. It typically occurs as minute grains embedded in the metallic matrix of iron-nickel meteorites, necessitating advanced analytical techniques like SEM-EDS for positive identification.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTungsten Alloy family

Liuite

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

No image

Is this liuite?

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 liuite with a known reference. Liuite 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. Liuite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liuite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside liuite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: WC
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 15.0-16.0 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Meteorites
Typical price: $500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find liuite

Classic worldwide localities

Suizhou meteorite
Luonan County, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in meteorites country — that is the host setting where liuite typically forms. If you start seeing iron, nickel, kamacite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liuite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is liuite found?+

Notable localities include Suizhou meteorite; Luonan County, China.

How much is liuite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like liuite?+

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

What minerals are found with liuite?+

Liuite commonly co-occurs with Iron, Nickel, Kamacite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liuite form in?+

Liuite typically forms in meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liuite used for?+

Liuite is used in collector.

Find liuite on the map

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