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, 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
How do you identify xingzhongite?+
Where is xingzhongite found?+
How much is xingzhongite worth?+
What rocks look like xingzhongite?+
What minerals are found with xingzhongite?+
What kind of rock does xingzhongite form in?+
What is xingzhongite used for?+
Find xingzhongite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
