Bortnikovite is an extremely rare palladium-copper alloy first discovered in the Konder Massif of Russia. It typically occurs as minute, irregular grains embedded within platinum-group element (PGE) mineral assemblages found in ultramafic rocks.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Bortnikovite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this bortnikovite?

4-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 bortnikovite with a known reference. Bortnikovite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel white.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bortnikovite

Minerals reported to co-occur with bortnikovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₄Cu₃Zn
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 11.16 g/cm³
Colors: Steel white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As rims on isoferroplatinum grains in alluvial placer sediment derived from a concentrically zoned, alkaline ultramafic massif

Where rockhounds find bortnikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder River PGM placer deposit, Ayan-Maya district, Khabarovsk region, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As rims on isoferroplatinum grains in alluvial placer sediment derived from a concentrically zoned, alkaline ultramafic massif. If you start seeing isoferroplatinum, titanite, perovskite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bortnikovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include steel white.

Where is bortnikovite found?+

Notable localities include Konder River PGM placer deposit, Ayan-Maya district, Khabarovsk region, Russia.

Is bortnikovite safe to handle?+

Bortnikovite contains copper. Contains palladium and copper; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion of dust.

What rocks look like bortnikovite?+

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

What minerals are found with bortnikovite?+

Bortnikovite commonly co-occurs with Isoferroplatinum, Titanite, Perovskite, V-bearing magnetite, Bornite, Chlorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bortnikovite form in?+

Where it forms: As rims on isoferroplatinum grains in alluvial placer sediment derived from a concentrically zoned, alkaline ultramafic massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bortnikovite used for?+

Bortnikovite is used in collector.

Find bortnikovite on the map

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