Tatyanaite is an extremely rare platinum-group mineral typically identified through polished section microscopy in ore deposits. It is found as tiny inclusions within massive sulfide ores of the Norilsk-Talnakh region, requiring sophisticated lab analysis for positive identification by amateur collectors.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlatinum Group Minerals family

Tatyanaite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this tatyanaite?

4-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 tatyanaite with a known reference. Tatyanaite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: ductile, granular, platy.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3.5-4).

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Often found alongside tatyanaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pt,Pd)₉Cu₃Sn₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 10.4-10.7 g/cm³
Colors: Pink
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Ductile, granular, platy
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Massive sulfide ores

Where rockhounds find tatyanaite

Classic worldwide localities

Oktyabr'sky deposit Noril'sk, Siberia, Russa (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Massive sulfide ores. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, cubanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: ductile, granular, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tatyanaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Luster: metallic. Common colors include pink.

Where is tatyanaite found?+

Notable localities include Oktyabr'sky deposit Noril'sk, Siberia, Russa (type locality).

Is tatyanaite safe to handle?+

Tatyanaite contains copper. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like tatyanaite?+

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

What minerals are found with tatyanaite?+

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

What kind of rock does tatyanaite form in?+

Where it forms: Massive sulfide ores. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tatyanaite used for?+

Tatyanaite is used in collector.

Find tatyanaite on the map

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