Cuproiridsite is an extremely rare platinum group mineral primarily found as microscopic inclusions within chromite deposits. Collectors typically seek it out as part of comprehensive platinum-group element suites found in layered ultramafic complexes. Due to its rarity and typical association with other complex metallic ores, it is almost exclusively found in professional scientific or high-end mineral collections.
Is this cuproiridsite?
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 cuproiridsite with a known reference. Cuproiridsite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cuproiridsite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cuproiridsite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral to euhedral grains, inclusions in chromite.
Often confused with
Cuproiridsite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cuproiridsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cuproiridsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuIr₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 9.9-10.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Euhedral Grains, Inclusions in Chromite
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find cuproiridsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bushveld Igneous Complex (South Africa)
- Stillwater Complex (USA)
- Norilsk District (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where cuproiridsite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, platinum group minerals, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to euhedral grains, inclusions in chromite habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cuproiridsite?+
Where is cuproiridsite found?+
How much is cuproiridsite worth?+
What rocks look like cuproiridsite?+
What minerals are found with cuproiridsite?+
What kind of rock does cuproiridsite form in?+
What is cuproiridsite used for?+
Find cuproiridsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
