Anyuiite is an extremely rare gold-lead intermetallic compound found primarily in placer deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic grains and is characterized by its very high density and metallic luster.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Anyuiite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this anyuiite?

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 anyuiite with a known reference. Anyuiite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anyuiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Anyuiite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silvery gray, dull lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gold

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Anyuiite leaves white, Gold leaves golden yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Anyuiite leaves white, Altaite leaves black.

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Often found alongside anyuiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: AuPb₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 12.87 g/cm³
Colors: Silvery Gray Dull Lead-gray
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Placer Deposits

Where rockhounds find anyuiite

Classic worldwide localities

Anyui River, Chukotka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in placer deposits country, the host setting where anyuiite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, platinum, magnetite 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 anyuiite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include silvery gray, dull lead-gray.

Where is anyuiite found?+

Notable localities include Anyui River, Chukotka, Russia.

Is anyuiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like anyuiite?+

Anyuiite is most often confused with Gold, Altaite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with anyuiite?+

Anyuiite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Platinum, Magnetite, Ilmenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does anyuiite form in?+

Anyuiite typically forms in placer deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anyuiite used for?+

Anyuiite is used in collector.

Find anyuiite on the map

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