Yuanjiangite is an extremely rare gold-tin intermetallic mineral typically found as microscopic inclusions within larger gold or sulfide masses. It was first identified in the Yuanjiang area of China and requires advanced geological analysis for positive field identification due to its scarcity and minute crystal size.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Yuanjiangite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this yuanjiangite?

4-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 yuanjiangite with a known reference. Yuanjiangite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver white.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: cryptocrystalline.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside yuanjiangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: AuSn
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 11.7-11.9 g/cm³
Colors: Silver white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Cryptocrystalline
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Placer deposit

Where rockhounds find yuanjiangite

Classic worldwide localities

In sandy gravel in the middle course of the Yuanjiang River, near the town of Yuanlin, Hunan Province, Peoples Republic of China (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Placer deposit. If you start seeing gold, galena, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: cryptocrystalline. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify yuanjiangite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Luster: metallic. Common colors include silver white.

Where is yuanjiangite found?+

Notable localities include In sandy gravel in the middle course of the Yuanjiang River, near the town of Yuanlin, Hunan Province, Peoples Republic of China (type locality).

Is yuanjiangite safe to handle?+

Contains tin and gold in a metallic state, but dust inhalation should be avoided as it is often associated with other heavy metal minerals in complex ore deposits.

What rocks look like yuanjiangite?+

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

What minerals are found with yuanjiangite?+

Yuanjiangite commonly co-occurs with gold, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does yuanjiangite form in?+

Where it forms: Placer deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is yuanjiangite used for?+

Yuanjiangite is used in collector.

Find yuanjiangite on the map

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