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 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel 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
- PbIr₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 6.64 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Grains
- Cleavage
- Distinct on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- In dunite-hosted platinum ores, related to chromium mineralization (China)
Where rockhounds find xingzhongite
Classic worldwide localities
- Fox Gulch, Goodnews Bay, Alaska, USA
- Tiébaghi, New Caledonia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In dunite-hosted platinum ores, related to chromium mineralization (China). If you start seeing pt–fe alloy, osmiridium, iridosmine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xingzhongite?+
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Is xingzhongite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like xingzhongite?+
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Find xingzhongite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
