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Platinum identification and geology

Platinum mineral reference specimen

Native platinum, one of the rarest and most valuable metals. Dense, malleable, and highly resistant to corrosion. Color: Silver-gray to tin-white. Luster: Metallic. Streak: Silver-gray. Cleavage: None. Hardness: 4-4.5. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Isometric Cubic. Chemical formula: Pt. Specific gravity: 21.45. Formation: Forms in ultramafic igneous rocks especially layered intrusions and concentrates in placer deposits. Common geological settings: South Africa Bushveld , Russia, Canada, Colombia; found in layered intrusions and placer deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Silver, Palladium, Iron.

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:31.941118+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
  • Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Platinum?
Native platinum, one of the rarest and most valuable metals. Dense, malleable, and highly resistant to corrosion.
How can you identify Platinum?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Silver-gray to tin-white; lustre: Metallic; streak: Silver-gray; Mohs hardness: 4-4.5; cleavage: None; crystal system: Isometric Cubic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Platinum form?
Forms in ultramafic igneous rocks especially layered intrusions and concentrates in placer deposits.
Where is Platinum commonly found?
South Africa Bushveld , Russia, Canada, Colombia; found in layered intrusions and placer deposits.
What is Platinum commonly confused with?
Platinum may be confused with Silver, Palladium, Iron. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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