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.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Luberoite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this luberoite?

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 luberoite with a known reference. Luberoite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bronze brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: 5-5.5
Density: 10.68-12.78 g/cm³
Colors: Bronze brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Irregular grains, inclusions in host minerals
Cleavage: Good on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: In concentrates from placers derived from granodioritic source rocks

Where rockhounds find luberoite

Classic worldwide localities

Mutushi, Lubero district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire) (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In concentrates from placers derived from granodioritic source rocks. If you start seeing platinum, anatase, florencite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains, inclusions in host minerals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify luberoite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include bronze brown.

Where is luberoite found?+

Notable localities include Mutushi, Lubero district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire) (type locality).

Is luberoite safe to handle?+

Luberoite contains selenium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like luberoite?+

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

What minerals are found with luberoite?+

Luberoite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Anatase, Florencite, Gorceixite, Kaolinite, Chlorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does luberoite form in?+

Where it forms: In concentrates from placers derived from granodioritic source rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is luberoite used for?+

Luberoite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find luberoite on the map

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