Menshikovite is a rare platinum-group mineral occurring primarily in ultramafic rocks and placer deposits. It is typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths with other platinum-group minerals and is rarely identifiable without advanced geochemical analysis like SEM-EDS.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Menshikovite

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

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Is this menshikovite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Menshikovite leaves black, Paolovite leaves greyish black.

Often found alongside menshikovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃CuSn
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 9.95 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find menshikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder Massif, Russia
Stillwater Complex, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where menshikovite typically forms. If you start seeing cooperite, sperrylite, platinum 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 menshikovite?+

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

Where is menshikovite found?+

Notable localities include Konder Massif, Russia; Stillwater Complex, USA.

How much is menshikovite worth?+

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

Is menshikovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains palladium, copper, and tin; dust inhalation or ingestion should be avoided as with many metallic mineral powders. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like menshikovite?+

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

What minerals are found with menshikovite?+

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

What kind of rock does menshikovite form in?+

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

What is menshikovite used for?+

Menshikovite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find menshikovite on the map

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