Platinum
Image: Alchemist-hp (talk) (www.pse-mendelejew.de) (FAL)
Mineral NamePlatinum
Chemical FormulaPt
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorsilvery white
Cleavagenone
Fracturehackly
Specific Gravity21.45
Colorssilvery white, steel-gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityKondyor mine, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesjewelry, catalytic converters, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, investment
Associated Mineralschromite, olivine, pyroxene, iridosmine
Rarityrare
Description
This image shows an irregularly shaped, silvery-gray platinum nugget with a distinct metallic luster and a rough, pitted surface. The nugget exhibits areas of smoother, reflective surfaces alongside more textured, crystalline regions.
Geological Context
Native platinum typically forms in ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks, such as dunites and peridotites, and is often concentrated in secondary placer deposits due to its high density and chemical inertness.
