Zhanghengite is an extremely rare copper-zinc alloy that typically occurs as microscopic grains in alluvial deposits. It is named in honor of the ancient Chinese astronomer Zhang Heng and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors.
Is this zhanghengite?
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 zhanghengite with a known reference. Zhanghengite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zhanghengite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zhanghengite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brass-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.
Often confused with
Zhanghengite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Zhanghengite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs — Zhanghengite leaves yellow, Gold leaves golden yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zhanghengite leaves yellow, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
Often found alongside zhanghengite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zhanghengite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuZn
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 8.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alluvial Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 for micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find zhanghengite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nanyang, Henan Province, China
- Prambachkirchen, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Look in alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where zhanghengite typically forms. If you start seeing copper, iron, platinum group minerals 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 zhanghengite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
