Jacutingaite is a rare platinum-group mineral typically found as small grains or tabular crystals within the hematite-rich jacutinga ores of Brazil. It is highly valued by mineral collectors for its unique composition and limited occurrence. Collectors should exercise caution as the mineral contains significant amounts of toxic mercury and thallium.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Jacutingaite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this jacutingaite?

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 jacutingaite with a known reference. Jacutingaite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jacutingaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jacutingaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel gray, silver white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, lamellar.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Palladseite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Palladseite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1-2).

Often found alongside jacutingaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pt₂(Hg,Tl)Se₃
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 9.43 g/cm³
Colors: Steel Gray Silver White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Lamellar
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Iron-rich Jacutinga Formation
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find jacutingaite

Classic worldwide localities

Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic iron-rich jacutinga formation country — that is the host setting where jacutingaite typically forms. If you start seeing palladseite, hematite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, lamellar habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify jacutingaite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel gray, silver white.

Where is jacutingaite found?+

Notable localities include Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How much is jacutingaite worth?+

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

Is jacutingaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and thallium, both of which are toxic heavy metals. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like jacutingaite?+

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

What minerals are found with jacutingaite?+

Jacutingaite commonly co-occurs with palladseite, hematite, gold, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jacutingaite form in?+

Jacutingaite typically forms in metamorphic iron-rich jacutinga formation. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is jacutingaite used for?+

Jacutingaite is used in collector.

Find jacutingaite on the map

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