Oulankaite is a rare platinum-group mineral typically found as microscopic inclusions within copper and iron sulfides. It is primarily identified through polished section analysis under reflected light in professional geological studies. Collectors value it for its occurrence in high-grade layered igneous complexes.
Is this oulankaite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch oulankaite with a known reference. Oulankaite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oulankaite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oulankaite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, grayish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Oulankaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Oulankaite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Oulankaite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Oulankaite leaves black, Pyrrhotite leaves dark grey to black.
Often found alongside oulankaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oulankaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pt₄Sn₂CuS₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 6.85 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Layered Igneous Intrusions
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity
Where rockhounds find oulankaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Oulanka, Finland
- Stillwater Complex, USA
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in layered igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where oulankaite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find oulankaite on the map
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