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, so 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, 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.