Menshikovite is a rare palladium nickel arsenide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1993. It was first described from Russia, from the Vostok deposit, Lukkulaisvaara layered intrusion, Karelia.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Menshikovite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this menshikovite?

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 menshikovite with a known reference. Menshikovite 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. Menshikovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Menshikovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Menshikovite leaves black, Paolovite leaves grayish black.

Often found alongside menshikovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃Ni₂As₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 10.35 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks

Where rockhounds find menshikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder Massif, Russia
Stillwater Complex, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where menshikovite typically forms. If you start seeing cooperite, sperrylite, platinum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify menshikovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is menshikovite found?+

Notable localities include Konder Massif, Russia; Stillwater Complex, USA.

Is menshikovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and nickel, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like menshikovite?+

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

What minerals are found with menshikovite?+

Menshikovite commonly co-occurs with Cooperite, Sperrylite, Platinum, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does menshikovite form in?+

Menshikovite typically forms in ultramafic igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is menshikovite used for?+

Menshikovite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find menshikovite on the map

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