Putoranite is a rare copper-iron sulfide mineral typically found in the differentiated sulfide deposits of the Talnakh region in Russia. It usually occurs as anhedral grains within massive ore samples, often intergrown with other copper-rich sulfides like talnakhite and cubanite.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareChalcopyrite Group family

Putoranite

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

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Is this putoranite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chalcopyrite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Putoranite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

Often found alongside putoranite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄₋ₓFeₓS₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Bronze Brownish-yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-nickel Sulfide Deposits in Mafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-200 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find putoranite

Classic worldwide localities

Talnakh district, Russia
Norilsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in copper-nickel sulfide deposits in mafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where putoranite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, cubanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify putoranite?+

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

Where is putoranite found?+

Notable localities include Talnakh district, Russia; Norilsk, Russia.

How much is putoranite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is putoranite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and sulfides; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or skin irritation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like putoranite?+

Putoranite is most often confused with Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Talnakhite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with putoranite?+

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

What kind of rock does putoranite form in?+

Putoranite typically forms in copper-nickel sulfide deposits in mafic igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is putoranite used for?+

Putoranite is used in collector.

Find putoranite on the map

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