Maslovite is a rare platinum-group mineral occurring primarily as microscopic inclusions within massive sulfide ores. It is typically identified via reflected light microscopy or microprobe analysis due to its diminutive grain size and lack of distinct crystal faces.
Is this maslovite?
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 maslovite with a known reference. Maslovite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Maslovite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Maslovite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals.
Often confused with
Maslovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 4.5-5).
How to tell apart: Maslovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 2.5).
How to tell apart: Maslovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3.5).
Often found alongside maslovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with maslovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PtBiTe
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 9.43 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel-copper Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 for micro-mount specimens
Where rockhounds find maslovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Talnakh deposit, Noril'sk, Russia
- Sudbury Basin, Canada
- Stillwater Complex, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-copper sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where maslovite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, cubanite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find maslovite on the map
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