Ferronickelplatinum is a rare platinum-group mineral typically occurring as microscopic grains within heavy mineral concentrates or ultramafic complexes. It is visually indistinguishable from native platinum without advanced microprobe or X-ray diffraction analysis and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors and researchers.
Is this ferronickelplatinum?
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 ferronickelplatinum with a known reference. Ferronickelplatinum sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferronickelplatinum leaves a grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferronickelplatinum typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silvery-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.
Often confused with
Ferronickelplatinum vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferronickelplatinum leaves grey, Platinum leaves steel-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferronickelplatinum leaves grey, Isoferroplatinum leaves grayish-black.
Often found alongside ferronickelplatinum
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferronickelplatinum. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pt₂FeNi
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 16.7-17.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Scientific Study, Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500+ micro-specimen
Where rockhounds find ferronickelplatinum
Classic worldwide localities
- Konder Massif, Russia
- Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa
- Tulameen complex, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where ferronickelplatinum typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, osmiridium, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferronickelplatinum?+
Where is ferronickelplatinum found?+
How much is ferronickelplatinum worth?+
What rocks look like ferronickelplatinum?+
What minerals are found with ferronickelplatinum?+
What kind of rock does ferronickelplatinum form in?+
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Find ferronickelplatinum on the map
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