Genkinite is a rare platinum-group mineral typically found as microscopic grains within ultramafic rock complexes. It is most easily identified in polished sections under reflected light where its characteristic pinkish-cream tint distinguishes it from other platinum-group minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Genkinite

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

Is this genkinite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sperrylite

Mohs 6-7

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

Often found alongside genkinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pt,Pd)₄Sb₃
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 11.6 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-cream Brownish-pink
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find genkinite

Classic worldwide localities

Inaglinskiy Massif, Russia
Stillwater Complex, USA
Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Sudbury Basin, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where genkinite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, chalcopyrite, pentlandite 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 genkinite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pinkish-cream, brownish-pink.

Where is genkinite found?+

Notable localities include Inaglinskiy Massif, Russia; Stillwater Complex, USA; Bushveld Complex, South Africa; Sudbury Basin, Canada.

How much is genkinite worth?+

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

Is genkinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony and platinum group elements; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like genkinite?+

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

What minerals are found with genkinite?+

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

What kind of rock does genkinite form in?+

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

What is genkinite used for?+

Genkinite is used in collector.

Find genkinite on the map

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