Geversite is a very rare platinum antimonide typically found as microscopic grains within massive sulfide ores. It is primarily identified through laboratory analysis of platinum-group mineral assemblages found in large ultramafic complexes. Collectors usually acquire this as part of a polished ore section or heavy mineral concentrate.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSperrylite Group family

Geversite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this geversite?

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 geversite with a known reference. Geversite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Geversite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Geversite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Laurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 5.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside geversite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PtSb₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 11.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $100-500+ per small specimen

Where rockhounds find geversite

Classic worldwide localities

Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa
Norilsk, Russia
Sudbury, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where geversite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, chalcopyrite, pentlandite 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 geversite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, silver-white.

Where is geversite found?+

Notable localities include Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa; Norilsk, Russia; Sudbury, Canada.

How much is geversite worth?+

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

Is geversite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like geversite?+

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

What minerals are found with geversite?+

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

What kind of rock does geversite form in?+

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

What is geversite used for?+

Geversite is used in collector.

Find geversite on the map

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