Polkanovite is an extremely rare rhodium-arsenic mineral discovered in the Norilsk nickel-copper sulfide deposits of Russia. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral inclusions within other platinum-group minerals or sulfide ores, making it a highly sought-after rarity for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Polkanovite

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

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Is this polkanovite?

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

Often confused with

Polkanovite 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).

How to tell apart: Polkanovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside polkanovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Rh₁₂As₇
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 9.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-copper Sulfide Ores
Typical price: $200-1000+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find polkanovite

Classic worldwide localities

Norilsk ore field, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-copper sulfide ores country — that is the host setting where polkanovite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, chalcopyrite, cubanite 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 polkanovite?+

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

Where is polkanovite found?+

Notable localities include Norilsk ore field, Russia.

How much is polkanovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is polkanovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like polkanovite?+

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

What minerals are found with polkanovite?+

Polkanovite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Pentlandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does polkanovite form in?+

Polkanovite typically forms in nickel-copper sulfide ores. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is polkanovite used for?+

Polkanovite is used in collector.

Find polkanovite on the map

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