Borovskite is an extremely rare palladium-antimony-telluride mineral typically found as microscopic inclusions in platinum-group ore deposits. It is almost exclusively found by professional prospectors or lab analysis within specialized ultramafic rock environments. Collectors value it as an exotic member of the platinum group of minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlatinum Group family

Borovskite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this borovskite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Geversite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3-4).

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3-4).

Compare →

Often found alongside borovskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃SbTe₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 9.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per micro-mount

Where rockhounds find borovskite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder Massif, Russia
Norilsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where borovskite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, tulameenite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify borovskite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is borovskite found?+

Notable localities include Konder Massif, Russia; Norilsk, Russia.

How much is borovskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per micro-mount. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is borovskite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and antimony; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust when cutting or polishing. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like borovskite?+

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

What minerals are found with borovskite?+

Borovskite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Tulameenite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does borovskite form in?+

Borovskite typically forms in ultramafic igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is borovskite used for?+

Borovskite is used in collector.

Find borovskite on the map

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