mineral
Native Platinum
Platinum (Pt)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 4 to 4.5, silvery-white metallic color, cubic crystal system, highly dense with a specific gravity around 21.5.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 4 to 4.5, silvery-white metallic color, cubic crystal system, highly dense with a specific gravity around 21.5.
Formation & geological history
Formed in ultra-mafic igneous rocks and placer deposits through magmatic segregation over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in catalytic converters, jewelry, laboratory equipment, and electronics.
Geological facts
Platinum is one of the rarest elements in Earth's crust and is often found alloyed with small amounts of iron and other platinum-group metals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its extreme weight, malleability, and resistance to acids; commonly found in river gravels in Russia, South Africa, and Canada.
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Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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