Kharaelakhite is an extremely rare platinum-group sulfide found primarily in major copper-nickel sulfide deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic grains embedded within ores rather than as distinct crystals, making it a prized species for advanced micromount collectors.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Kharaelakhite

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

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Is this kharaelakhite?

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 kharaelakhite with a known reference. Kharaelakhite 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. Kharaelakhite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kharaelakhite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, brownish-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kharaelakhite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

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Often found alongside kharaelakhite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pt,Cu,Pb,Fe,Ni)₉S₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.05 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Brownish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-nickel Sulfide Ores
Typical price: $100-500 per micro-mount specimen

Where rockhounds find kharaelakhite

Classic worldwide localities

Talnakh deposit, Taimyr Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in copper-nickel sulfide ores country — that is the host setting where kharaelakhite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, cubanite, talnakhite 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 kharaelakhite?+

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

Where is kharaelakhite found?+

Notable localities include Talnakh deposit, Taimyr Peninsula, Russia.

How much is kharaelakhite worth?+

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

Is kharaelakhite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains heavy metals; do not inhale dust or ingest. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kharaelakhite?+

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

What minerals are found with kharaelakhite?+

Kharaelakhite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Talnakhite, Magnetite, Sperrylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kharaelakhite form in?+

Kharaelakhite typically forms in copper-nickel sulfide ores. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kharaelakhite used for?+

Kharaelakhite is used in collector.

Find kharaelakhite on the map

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