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, so Ferronickelplatinum leaves grey, Platinum leaves steel-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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