Orthocuproplatinum is a very rare platinum-copper alloy typically found as minute inclusions within other platinum-group minerals. It is primarily identified through specialized analytical methods like electron microprobe analysis, appearing as small silver-white grains in reflected light under a microscope.
Is this orthocuproplatinum?
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 orthocuproplatinum with a known reference. Orthocuproplatinum sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Orthocuproplatinum leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Orthocuproplatinum typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in platinum group minerals.
Often confused with
Orthocuproplatinum vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside orthocuproplatinum
Minerals reported to co-occur with orthocuproplatinum. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuPt
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 18.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Platinum Group Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Where rockhounds find orthocuproplatinum
Classic worldwide localities
- Ioko-Dovyren massif, Russia
- Stillwater complex, USA
- Bushveld complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where orthocuproplatinum typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, cooperite, sperrylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in platinum group minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify orthocuproplatinum?+
Where is orthocuproplatinum found?+
What rocks look like orthocuproplatinum?+
What minerals are found with orthocuproplatinum?+
What kind of rock does orthocuproplatinum form in?+
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Find orthocuproplatinum on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
