Zlatogorite is a very rare copper nickel antimonide, typically silver-white. It occurs in altered schistose rock (listwenite). It was first described from the Zolotaya Gora deposit near Karabash, Middle Urals, Russia.
Is this zlatogorite?
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 zlatogorite with a known reference. Zlatogorite sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: globular, prismatic.
Often confused with
Zlatogorite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zlatogorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zlatogorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuNiSb₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 8.21 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Globular, prismatic
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hydrothermal veins
Where rockhounds find zlatogorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Příbram, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing boulangerite, galena, diaphorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: globular, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zlatogorite?+
Where is zlatogorite found?+
Is zlatogorite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like zlatogorite?+
What minerals are found with zlatogorite?+
What kind of rock does zlatogorite form in?+
What is zlatogorite used for?+
Find zlatogorite on the map
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