Vysotskite is a rare palladium sulfide mineral typically found as microscopic grains or inclusions within larger sulfide ore bodies. It is primarily identified in laboratory or analytical settings within complex magmatic copper-nickel deposits.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCooperite-Vysotskite Series family

Vysotskite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vysotskite?

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 vysotskite with a known reference. Vysotskite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vysotskite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vysotskite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, grayish white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: grains, small inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vysotskite leaves black, Braggite leaves gray.

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Often found alongside vysotskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pd,Ni)S
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 9.5-10.5 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Grayish White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Grains, Small Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Magmatic Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find vysotskite

Classic worldwide localities

Talnakh deposit, Russia
Stillwater complex, USA
Bushveld complex, South Africa
Norilsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in magmatic sulfide deposits country, the host setting where vysotskite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, cubanite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains, small inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vysotskite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, grayish white.

Where is vysotskite found?+

Notable localities include Talnakh deposit, Russia; Stillwater complex, USA; Bushveld complex, South Africa; Norilsk, Russia.

How much is vysotskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vysotskite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains palladium and nickel; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vysotskite?+

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

What minerals are found with vysotskite?+

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

What kind of rock does vysotskite form in?+

Vysotskite typically forms in magmatic sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vysotskite used for?+

Vysotskite is used in collector.

Find vysotskite on the map

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