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, so Kashinite leaves grey, Laurite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.