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.
Is this genkinite?
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 genkinite with a known reference. Genkinite 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. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Genkinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- Pt₄Sb₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 8.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In ultramafics or ophiolites mineralized with Pt–Fe–Cu–Ni, and placers derived from them
Where rockhounds find genkinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Fox Gulch, Goodnews Bay, Alaska, USA
- Merensky Reef, Bushveld complex, Transvaal, at the Onverwacht (type locality) and Driekop mines, South Africa
- Joubdo stream, Birbir River, Ethiopia
- Unst and Fetlar, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In ultramafics or ophiolites mineralized with Pt–Fe–Cu–Ni, and placers derived from them. If you start seeing sperrylite, platarsite, ruthenarsenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify genkinite?+
Where is genkinite found?+
Is genkinite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like genkinite?+
What minerals are found with genkinite?+
What kind of rock does genkinite form in?+
What is genkinite used for?+
Find genkinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
