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 — Zlatogorite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.