Luobusaite is a rare iron silicide mineral first discovered in the Luobusa ophiolite of Tibet. It is typically found as microscopic grains or small aggregates embedded within chromite and peridotite, requiring advanced analytical techniques for positive identification in most cases.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Luobusaite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this luobusaite?

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 luobusaite with a known reference. Luobusaite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Luobusaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luobusaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular, irregular grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Xifengite

Mohs 6.5

How to tell apart: Xifengite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Luobusaite leaves black, Xifengite leaves gray.

How to tell apart: Suessite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5-4).

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Often found alongside luobusaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₃Si₇
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.8-7.2 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Granular, Irregular Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ophiolitic Peridotite
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity

Where rockhounds find luobusaite

Classic worldwide localities

Luobusa Ophiolite, Tibet, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in ophiolitic peridotite country — that is the host setting where luobusaite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, olivine, diamond in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify luobusaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray, silver-white.

Where is luobusaite found?+

Notable localities include Luobusa Ophiolite, Tibet, China.

How much is luobusaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like luobusaite?+

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

What minerals are found with luobusaite?+

Luobusaite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Olivine, Diamond, Moissanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does luobusaite form in?+

Luobusaite typically forms in ophiolitic peridotite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is luobusaite used for?+

Luobusaite is used in collector.

Find luobusaite on the map

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