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.
Is this tatyanaite?
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 tatyanaite with a known reference. Tatyanaite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tatyanaite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tatyanaite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals.
Often confused with
Tatyanaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 4-5
- Density
- 10.4-10.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Copper-nickel Sulfide Ores
- Typical price
- very expensive, strictly for advanced mineralogical collections
Where rockhounds find tatyanaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Talnakh deposit, Russia
- Norilsk, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in copper-nickel sulfide ores country — that is the host setting where tatyanaite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, cubanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tatyanaite on the map
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