Mitrofanovite is an extremely rare platinum telluride-stannide known primarily from the Konder Massif in Russia. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within platinum-group element alloys and is highly prized by advanced mineral species collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Mitrofanovite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this mitrofanovite?

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 mitrofanovite with a known reference. Mitrofanovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mitrofanovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mitrofanovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: irregular grains and inclusions.

Often confused with

Mitrofanovite 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. 3.5); streak differs — Mitrofanovite leaves white, Sperrylite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mitrofanovite leaves white, Cooperite leaves black.

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Often found alongside mitrofanovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pt₂Te₃Sn
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 8.55 g/cm³
Colors: White
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Irregular Grains and Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline-ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find mitrofanovite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder Massif, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline-ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where mitrofanovite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, bornite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains and inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mitrofanovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white.

Where is mitrofanovite found?+

Notable localities include Konder Massif, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia.

How much is mitrofanovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is mitrofanovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and platinum-group metal associations; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mitrofanovite?+

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

What minerals are found with mitrofanovite?+

Mitrofanovite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mitrofanovite form in?+

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

What is mitrofanovite used for?+

Mitrofanovite is used in collector.

Find mitrofanovite on the map

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