Shandite is a rare nickel-lead sulfide mineral that typically presents as bronze or brassy metallic grains. It is primarily found in hydrothermal deposits, often associated with other base metal sulfides in specialized geological settings.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Shandite

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

Is this shandite?

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 shandite with a known reference. Shandite 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. Shandite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shandite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bronze, pale brass-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pentlandite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Shandite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

How to tell apart: Shandite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Shandite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside shandite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂Ni₃S₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 7.5 g/cm³
Colors: Bronze Pale Brass-yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find shandite

Classic worldwide localities

Gladhammar, Sweden
Potarite locality, Guyana

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where shandite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bornite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shandite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include bronze, pale brass-yellow.

Where is shandite found?+

Notable localities include Gladhammar, Sweden; Potarite locality, Guyana.

How much is shandite worth?+

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

Is shandite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and nickel; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shandite?+

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

What minerals are found with shandite?+

Shandite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Clausthalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shandite form in?+

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

What is shandite used for?+

Shandite is used in collector.

Find shandite on the map

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