Zlatogorite is a very rare copper-nickel antimonide primarily identified in the Zlatogor gold deposit in Ukraine. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains or inclusions within larger sulfide minerals, making it a challenging species for casual collectors to identify without analytical equipment.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Zlatogorite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this zlatogorite?

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 zlatogorite with a known reference. Zlatogorite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zlatogorite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zlatogorite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, pale gold.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other sulfides.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chalcopyrite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zlatogorite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zlatogorite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

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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: 3.5-4
Density: 7.54 g/cm³
Colors: Brass-yellow Pale Gold
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Sulfides
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-200 for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find zlatogorite

Classic worldwide localities

Zlatogor deposit, Kirovograd, Ukraine

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal deposits country, the host setting where zlatogorite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, millerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other sulfides habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zlatogorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include brass-yellow, pale gold.

Where is zlatogorite found?+

Notable localities include Zlatogor deposit, Kirovograd, Ukraine.

How much is zlatogorite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zlatogorite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, nickel, and antimony; avoid inhaling dust or powder and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zlatogorite?+

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

What minerals are found with zlatogorite?+

Zlatogorite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Millerite, Pyrite, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zlatogorite form in?+

Zlatogorite typically forms in hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zlatogorite used for?+

Zlatogorite is used in collector.

Find zlatogorite on the map

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