Sudovikovite is a rare platinum selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains in metasomatic ore deposits. It is known primarily from the Russian Karelia region and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in platinum-group minerals.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Sudovikovite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this sudovikovite?

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 sudovikovite with a known reference. Sudovikovite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
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, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

Sudovikovite 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. 2-2.5).

How to tell apart: Cooperite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2-2.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside sudovikovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PtSe₂
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 9.63-9.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In metasomatites

Where rockhounds find sudovikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Srednaya Palma U-V deposit 30 km north of Kizhy Island, in southern Karelia, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In metasomatites. If you start seeing gold, chalcopyrite, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sudovikovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include white, yellow.

Where is sudovikovite found?+

Notable localities include Srednaya Palma U-V deposit 30 km north of Kizhy Island, in southern Karelia, Russia (type locality).

Is sudovikovite safe to handle?+

Sudovikovite contains selenium. Contains selenium, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands after handling.

What rocks look like sudovikovite?+

Sudovikovite 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 sudovikovite?+

Sudovikovite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Palladseite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sudovikovite form in?+

Where it forms: In metasomatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sudovikovite used for?+

Sudovikovite is used in collector.

Find sudovikovite on the map

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