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 — that is 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?+
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Find cuproiridsite on the map
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