Weishanite is an extremely rare mercury-gold amalgam primarily found in small grains within hydrothermal ore deposits. It is chemically significant due to its specific mercury-gold ratio and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAmalgam Group family

Weishanite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this weishanite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gold

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Weishanite leaves white, Gold leaves golden yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside weishanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Au,Ag)₃Hg₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 15.6-15.8 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Yellow Silver White
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and purity

Where rockhounds find weishanite

Classic worldwide localities

Weishan, Jilin Province, China
Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where weishanite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, cinnabar, quartz 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 weishanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale yellow, silver white.

Where is weishanite found?+

Notable localities include Weishan, Jilin Province, China; Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan.

How much is weishanite worth?+

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

Is weishanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and should be handled with extreme care; avoid contact with skin, inhalation of dust, or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like weishanite?+

Weishanite is most often confused with Gold. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with weishanite?+

Weishanite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Cinnabar, Quartz, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does weishanite form in?+

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

What is weishanite used for?+

Weishanite is used in collector.

Find weishanite on the map

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