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, 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.