Zangboite is an extremely rare iron titanium silicide mineral first discovered in the heavy mineral concentrates of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. It typically occurs as small, metallic steel-gray grains within ophiolitic rock environments and is prized exclusively by high-end mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Zangboite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this zangboite?

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 zangboite with a known reference. Zangboite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zangboite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zangboite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, iron-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Zangboite and submetallic on Manaccanite.

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Often found alongside zangboite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: TiFeSi₂
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 5.02 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ophiolitic Peridotite
Typical price: $50-300 micro to thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find zangboite

Classic worldwide localities

Zangbo river, Tibet, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in ophiolitic peridotite country, the host setting where zangboite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, iron, native copper 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 zangboite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, iron-black.

Where is zangboite found?+

Notable localities include Zangbo river, Tibet, China.

How much is zangboite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 micro to thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like zangboite?+

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

What minerals are found with zangboite?+

Zangboite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Iron, Native Copper. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zangboite form in?+

Zangboite typically forms in ophiolitic peridotite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zangboite used for?+

Zangboite is used in collector.

Find zangboite on the map

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