Kingstonite

kingstonite

cuprorhodsite

isoferroplatinum

tetraferroplatinum

Images

Formula: Rh3S4
Simple sulphide of rhodium
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 7.52 calculated
Hardness: 6
Streak: Black
Colour: Black
Environments

Placer deposits

Localities

At the type locality, the Bir Bir River, Yubdo District, Gimbi, West Welega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, kingstonite occurs in placers derived from platinum-bearing dunite and pyroxenite, as inclusions in a Pt-Fe alloy. It is found as subhedral, tabular elongate to anhedral inclusions in a Pt-Fe nugget with the associated minerals isoferroplatinum, tetraferroplatinum, a Cu-bearing Pt-Fe alloy, osmium, enriched oxide remnants of osmium, laurite, bowieite and cuprorhodsite. It is opaque with a metallic lustre, has a black streak, is brittle and has a subconchoidal fracture and one good cleavage. It does not possess internal reflections (MM 69.4.447-453, HOM).
Kingstonite from the Bir Bir River - Image

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