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It has now (2023) been determined that platarsite is a
sulphur-enriched
variety of sperrylite and, as such, it has been discredited as a valid
mineral species
(CJMP 61.1039-1044).
Formula: PtAsS
Sulphide, arsenic- and
platinum-
bearing mineral,
cobaltite group
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 8.0 measured, 9.627 calculated for ideal end member
Hardness: 7½
Colour: Grey
Common impurities: Ir,Os
Environments
Plutonic igneous environments
Pegmatites
Placer deposits
Platarsite occurs dunite pipes and replacement
pegmatite deposits, in layered
mafic intrusions and
ophiolites and in
placers. Associated minerals include
stibiopalladinite,
ruthenarsenite, mertieite-II,
genkinite, platinum –
iron – copper –
nickel alloys, bornite and
chromite
(HOM).
Localities
At the type locality, the Onverwacht Mine, Steelpoort, Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, Sekhukhune District
Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa, platarsite has been found as crystals up to 1.1 mm in size in
replacement pegmatite deposits
(CM 15.385-388).
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