Tetraferroplatinum is a rare member of the platinum-group minerals primarily found as tiny grains in ultramafic rocks or sulfide-rich deposits. It is best identified through polished section microscopy or analytical chemical testing due to its inconspicuous appearance in hand samples. Collectors typically look for it as small, metallic inclusions within heavy mineral concentrates or chromite ore.
Is this tetraferroplatinum?
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 tetraferroplatinum with a known reference. Tetraferroplatinum 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. Tetraferroplatinum leaves a grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tetraferroplatinum 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, massive, inclusions in other minerals.
Often confused with
Tetraferroplatinum 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. 4.5); streak differs — Tetraferroplatinum leaves grey, Sperrylite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tetraferroplatinum leaves grey, Cooperite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tetraferroplatinum leaves grey, Platinum leaves steel-gray.
Often found alongside tetraferroplatinum
Minerals reported to co-occur with tetraferroplatinum. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PtFe
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 16.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Massive, Inclusions in Other Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Ore Mineral
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks, Chromitite Layers, Placer Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find tetraferroplatinum
Classic worldwide localities
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
- Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Norilsk, Russia
- Tulameen complex, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks, chromitite layers, placer deposits country — that is the host setting where tetraferroplatinum typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, chalcopyrite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like tetraferroplatinum?+
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Find tetraferroplatinum on the map
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