Luanheite is a rare silver-mercury amalgam found typically as small, dull, silver-white grains in placer deposits. It is chemically unstable under high heat and requires careful storage to avoid mercury sublimation. Collectors primarily encounter it as micro-specimens associated with native silver or gold.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Silver-white

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Luanheite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Silver-white
Transparency: Opaque

Is this luanheite?

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 luanheite with a known reference. Luanheite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Luanheite leaves a silver-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luanheite 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: massive, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside luanheite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₃Hg
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 12.5-13.0 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Silver-white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Placer Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find luanheite

Classic worldwide localities

Luanhe River, Hebei Province, China
Koryak Upland, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in placer deposits country — that is the host setting where luanheite typically forms. If you start seeing silver, gold, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify luanheite?+

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

Where is luanheite found?+

Notable localities include Luanhe River, Hebei Province, China; Koryak Upland, Russia.

How much is luanheite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is luanheite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with extreme caution, avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like luanheite?+

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

What minerals are found with luanheite?+

Luanheite commonly co-occurs with Silver, Gold, Cinnabar. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does luanheite form in?+

Luanheite typically forms in placer deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is luanheite used for?+

Luanheite is used in collector.

Find luanheite on the map

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