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 — 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 — that is 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.