Kashinite is an extremely rare iridium sulfide mineral typically found as microscopic grains in alluvial platinum deposits. Because of its rarity and size, it is strictly a professional research or advanced private collector species that requires micro-analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Grey

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kashinite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Grey
Transparency: Opaque

Is this kashinite?

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 kashinite with a known reference. Kashinite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kashinite leaves a grey streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kashinite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Laurite

Mohs 7-7.5

How to tell apart: Laurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Kashinite leaves grey, Laurite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kashinite leaves grey, Cooperite leaves black.

Compare →

Often found alongside kashinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ir₄S₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 9.5-10.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Gray
Streak: Grey
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alluvial Platinum Deposits
Typical price: expensive collector mineral

Where rockhounds find kashinite

Classic worldwide localities

Kashin River, Russia
Urals, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alluvial platinum deposits country — that is the host setting where kashinite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, laurite, osmiridium in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kashinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is grey. Common colors include white, pale gray.

Where is kashinite found?+

Notable localities include Kashin River, Russia; Urals, Russia.

How much is kashinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive collector mineral. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kashinite?+

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

What minerals are found with kashinite?+

Kashinite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Laurite, Osmiridium. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kashinite form in?+

Kashinite typically forms in alluvial platinum deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kashinite used for?+

Kashinite is used in collector.

Find kashinite on the map

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