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.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic (tarnishes readily in air)

Streak

Bronze

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Zhanghengite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic (tarnishes readily in air)
Streak: Bronze
Transparency: Opaque

Is this zhanghengite?

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 zhanghengite with a known reference. Zhanghengite 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. Streak: bronze.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic (tarnishes readily in air).
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: golden yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

Zhanghengite 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 Zhanghengite leaves bronze, Gold leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zhanghengite leaves bronze, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish black.

Compare →

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: 3.5
Density: 8.32 g/cm³
Colors: Golden yellow
Streak: Bronze
Luster: Metallic (tarnishes readily in air)
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In the matrix of a chondrite meteorite

Where rockhounds find zhanghengite

Classic worldwide localities

Boxian meteorite that fell on Boxian County, Anhui Province, China, on October 20, 1977

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In the matrix of a chondrite meteorite. If you start seeing olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zhanghengite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: metallic (tarnishes readily in air). The streak is bronze. Common colors include golden yellow.

Where is zhanghengite found?+

Notable localities include Boxian meteorite that fell on Boxian County, Anhui Province, China, on October 20, 1977.

Is zhanghengite safe to handle?+

Zhanghengite contains copper. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like zhanghengite?+

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

What minerals are found with zhanghengite?+

Zhanghengite commonly co-occurs with Olivine, Orthopyroxene, Clinopyroxene, Plagioclase, Orthoclase, Whitlockite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zhanghengite form in?+

Where it forms: In the matrix of a chondrite meteorite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zhanghengite used for?+

Zhanghengite is used in collector.

Find zhanghengite on the map

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