Maslovite is a rare platinum-group mineral occurring primarily as microscopic inclusions within massive sulfide ores. It is typically identified via reflected light microscopy or microprobe analysis due to its diminutive grain size and lack of distinct crystal faces.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCooperite Group family

Maslovite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this maslovite?

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 maslovite with a known reference. Maslovite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sperrylite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 4.5-5).

How to tell apart: Maslovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside maslovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PtBiTe
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 11.51-11.74 g/cm³
Colors: Steel gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In galena-rich portions of massive cubanite-chalcopyrite and mooihoekite ores

Where rockhounds find maslovite

Classic worldwide localities

Oktyabr mine, Noril’sk region, western Siberia, Russia (type locality)
Rustenburg mine, in the Merensky Reef, Bushveld complex, Transvaal, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In galena-rich portions of massive cubanite-chalcopyrite and mooihoekite ores. If you start seeing altaite, sobolevskite, moncheite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify maslovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include steel gray.

Where is maslovite found?+

Notable localities include Oktyabr mine, Noril’sk region, western Siberia, Russia (type locality); Rustenburg mine, in the Merensky Reef, Bushveld complex, Transvaal, South Africa.

Is maslovite safe to handle?+

Contains tellurium and bismuth; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.

What rocks look like maslovite?+

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

What minerals are found with maslovite?+

Maslovite commonly co-occurs with Altaite, Sobolevskite, Moncheite, Michenerite, Hessite, Froodite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does maslovite form in?+

Where it forms: In galena-rich portions of massive cubanite-chalcopyrite and mooihoekite ores. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is maslovite used for?+

Maslovite is used in collector.

Find maslovite on the map

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