Xingzhongite is a rare platinum-group mineral typically occurring as microscopic inclusions within chromite or other platinum-group alloys. It is most often identified through geochemical analysis and electron microscopy in ultramafic intrusive complexes. Its metallic luster and distinct chemical composition make it a significant, albeit obscure, species for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this xingzhongite?
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 xingzhongite with a known reference. Xingzhongite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xingzhongite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xingzhongite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.
Often confused with
Xingzhongite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside xingzhongite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xingzhongite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ir,Pt,Pb)S
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 12.8-13.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Rocks
- Typical price
- niche market, primarily research samples
Where rockhounds find xingzhongite
Classic worldwide localities
- Xingzhong, Hebei Province, China
- Konder Massif, Russia
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where xingzhongite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, osmium, chromite 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
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Find xingzhongite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
