Kingstonite is an extremely rare rhodium-platinum sulfide mineral typically found as microscopic inclusions within other platinum-group minerals. It was first identified in the ore deposits of Kingston, Ontario, and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors and researchers studying platinum-group mineralogy.
Is this kingstonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch kingstonite with a known reference. Kingstonite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kingstonite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kingstonite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, cream.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains or inclusions.
Often confused with
Kingstonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hollingworthite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3.5); streak differs — Kingstonite leaves black, Hollingworthite leaves grayish-black.
How to tell apart: Laurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 3.5).
Often found alongside kingstonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kingstonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Rh,Pt,Ir)₃S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Grains or Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel-copper Sulfide Ores
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for rare micro specimens
Where rockhounds find kingstonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kanjiroba, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-copper sulfide ores country — that is the host setting where kingstonite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains or inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kingstonite on the map
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