Kitagohaite is a very rare platinum-copper alloy typically found as microscopic grains within ultramafic rock complexes. It is primarily identified through electron microprobe analysis rather than visual field inspection due to its extremely small, metallic white appearance.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlatinum-group minerals family

Kitagohaite

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

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Is this kitagohaite?

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 kitagohaite with a known reference. Kitagohaite 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. Kitagohaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kitagohaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Platinum

Mohs 4-4.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kitagohaite leaves black, Platinum leaves steel-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kitagohaite leaves black, Isoferroplatinum leaves grayish-black.

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Often found alongside kitagohaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pt₃Cu
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 16.4 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500+ per microscopic specimen

Where rockhounds find kitagohaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kitagoha, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where kitagohaite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, cooperite, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kitagohaite?+

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

Where is kitagohaite found?+

Notable localities include Kitagoha, Japan.

How much is kitagohaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500+ per microscopic specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kitagohaite?+

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

What minerals are found with kitagohaite?+

Kitagohaite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Cooperite, Chromite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kitagohaite form in?+

Kitagohaite typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kitagohaite used for?+

Kitagohaite is used in collector.

Find kitagohaite on the map

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