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, 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.