Menshikovite is a rare palladium nickel arsenide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1993. It was first described from Russia, from the Vostok deposit, Lukkulaisvaara layered intrusion, Karelia.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Menshikovite

Hardness: ~5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
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 ~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: gray.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white.
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, so Menshikovite leaves gray, Paolovite leaves grayish black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Menshikovite leaves gray, Genkinite leaves black.

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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: Pd₃Ni₂As₃
Mohs hardness: ~5
Density: 10.35 g/cm³
Colors: White
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: In a mineralized pod in altered gabbronorite (Lukkulaisvaara intrusion, Russia); in heavy-mineral concentrates from quartz-feldspar sandstones in contact with base-metal sulfides (Chiney intrusion, Russia)

Where rockhounds find menshikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Lukkulaisvaara layered intrusion, Karelia, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a mineralized pod in altered gabbronorite (Lukkulaisvaara intrusion, Russia); in heavy-mineral concentrates from quartz-feldspar sandstones in contact with base-metal sulfides (Chiney intrusion, Russia). If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, merenskyite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify menshikovite?+

Mohs hardness is ~5. Luster: metallic. The streak is gray. Common colors include white.

Where is menshikovite found?+

Notable localities include Lukkulaisvaara layered intrusion, Karelia, Russia (type locality).

Is menshikovite safe to handle?+

Menshikovite contains arsenic and nickel and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and nickel, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

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 Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Merenskyite, Sobolevskite, Kotulskite, Michenerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does menshikovite form in?+

Where it forms: In a mineralized pod in altered gabbronorite (Lukkulaisvaara intrusion, Russia); in heavy-mineral concentrates from quartz-feldspar sandstones in contact with base-metal sulfides (Chiney intrusion, Russia). 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

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