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, 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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