Naquite is a very rare copper-tin intermetallic mineral originally discovered in the Omsukchan District of Russia. It typically occurs as microscopic grains within hydrothermal ore deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its unique composition.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Naquite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this naquite?

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 naquite with a known reference. Naquite 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. Naquite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Naquite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Stannite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Naquite leaves white, Stannite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Naquite leaves white, Copper leaves copper-red.

Compare →

Often found alongside naquite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuSn
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find naquite

Classic worldwide localities

Russia
China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where naquite typically forms. If you start seeing stannite, chalcopyrite, cassiterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify naquite?+

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

Where is naquite found?+

Notable localities include Russia; China.

How much is naquite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like naquite?+

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

What minerals are found with naquite?+

Naquite commonly co-occurs with Stannite, Chalcopyrite, Cassiterite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does naquite form in?+

Naquite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is naquite used for?+

Naquite is used in collector.

Find naquite on the map

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