Shuangfengite is a rare iridium-telluride mineral first discovered in the Shuangfeng mine in China. It typically occurs as small, silver-white metallic grains or tabular crystals within platinum-group element bearing deposits. Collectors prize it for its extreme rarity and complex composition as an iridium-dominant species.
Is this shuangfengite?
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 shuangfengite with a known reference. Shuangfengite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shuangfengite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shuangfengite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Shuangfengite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shuangfengite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shuangfengite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- IrTe₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Intrusive Rocks, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-specimen
Where rockhounds find shuangfengite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shuangfeng mine, China
- Stillwater Complex, USA
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic intrusive rocks, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where shuangfengite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, pentlandite 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 shuangfengite?+
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How much is shuangfengite worth?+
Is shuangfengite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like shuangfengite?+
What minerals are found with shuangfengite?+
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Find shuangfengite on the map
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