Platinum
Platinum is a mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.
Platinum is a rare, dense, silvery-white precious metal, found in nature as the native element in grains and nuggets — chiefly in layered igneous rocks and placer deposits.
About Platinumextended article
Platinum is one of the precious metals, prized for its rarity, density and resistance to corrosion. In nature it occurs mainly as the native metal — usually as small grains, flakes and nuggets, often alloyed with other platinum-group metals and iron.
Identifying native platinum
Native platinum is silvery-white to steel-grey with a bright metallic lustre, very heavy (high density), malleable, and only weakly magnetic when iron-bearing. It has a hardness of around 4–4.5 and shows no cleavage.
Where it is found
The great primary source is the Bushveld Complex of South Africa, a layered igneous intrusion; platinum is also famous from the placer deposits of the Ural Mountains in Russia, and from Colombia and Canada. Natural nuggets and crystals are rare and highly prized.
About Platinum
Platinum is a mineral. Its crystal form varies within the species and holds a steady position among mineral species.
Collector context
Collector notes
Among collectors of crystallized species, Platinum is a recognized reference. Platinum is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Hunan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Platinum?
Platinum is a mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.
What is the chemical formula of Platinum?
The chemical formula of Platinum is Pt.
What crystal system does Platinum belong to?
Platinum crystallises in the Isometric crystal system.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.