Malanite is a rare copper-platinum sulfide belonging to the spinel group. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other sulfide minerals in platinum-rich magmatic deposits.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinel Group family

Malanite

Malanite is a rare copper-platinum sulfide belonging to the spinel group. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other sulfide minerals in platinum-rich magmatic deposits.

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this malanite?

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 malanite with a known reference. Malanite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Malanite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Malanite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Malanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3); streak differs, so Malanite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

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Often found alongside malanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuPt₂S₄
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 5.5-6.0 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity

Where rockhounds find malanite

Classic worldwide localities

Malan, China
Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Norilsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where malanite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite 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 malanite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, white.

Where is malanite found?+

Notable localities include Malan, China; Bushveld Complex, South Africa; Norilsk, Russia.

How much is malanite worth?+

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

Is malanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and potentially platinum group metals; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or skin irritation from heavy metal compounds. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like malanite?+

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

What minerals are found with malanite?+

Malanite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Pyrrhotite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does malanite form in?+

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

What is malanite used for?+

Malanite is used in collector.

Find malanite on the map

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