Luberoite is an extremely rare platinum selenide mineral typically found as tiny metallic grains in heavy mineral concentrates. It was first identified in the Lubero region of the Congo and is characterized by its high density and distinct metallic luster. Collectors prize it for its rarity, though it is usually only available in microscopic study samples.
Is this luberoite?
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 luberoite with a known reference. Luberoite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Luberoite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luberoite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: irregular grains, inclusions in host minerals.
Often confused with
Luberoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside luberoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with luberoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pt₅Se₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 12.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Grains, Inclusions in Host Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alluvial Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per microscopic specimen
Where rockhounds find luberoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lubero, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where luberoite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, gold, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains, inclusions in host minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find luberoite on the map
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