Kharaelakhite

Chemical formula: (Cu,Pt,Pb,Fe,Ni)₉S₈

Kharaelakhite is a very rare sulfide of copper, platinum, lead, iron, and nickel, occurring as fine grains in copper-nickel deposits.

## Characteristics Kharaelakhite is an extremely rare sulfide mineral, identified as very fine, irregular grains not exceeding 0.2 mm in size. It occurs in paragenesis with other sulfides in copper-nickel ores. Due to its microscopic size, its visual features are difficult to observe without specialized equipment. ## Physical Properties The mineral is opaque and exhibits a metallic luster. Its hardness and other physical properties, such as density, have not been precisely measured due to its small size and rarity. ## Colors and Varieties Observed in reflected light, it is gray with a pinkish tint. No varieties of this mineral have been distinguished. ## History and Name Kharaelakhite was first described in 1985. Its name comes from the Kharaelakh Plateau, where the Talnakh deposit in Russia, its type locality, is located.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Density
0
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of kharaelakhite is possible only through advanced laboratory techniques, such as electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and examination in reflected light on polished sections. It is indistinguishable to the naked eye. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other microscopic sulfides of similar composition, such as talnakhite or mooihoekite. Definitive distinction requires chemical analysis to determine the proportions of metals (Cu, Pt, Pb, Fe, Ni). ## Crystal Forms This mineral forms exclusively anhedral (irregular) grains embedded in other sulfide minerals. No well-formed crystals have been observed.

Geological environment

## Genesis Kharaelakhite forms as a result of hydrothermal processes associated with magmatic intrusions rich in copper and nickel sulfides. It crystallizes in the late stages of Cu-Ni deposit formation. ## Mineral Associations It most commonly co-occurs with chalcopyrite, talnakhite, mooihoekite, cubanite, pentlandite, as well as platinum group minerals. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of kharaelakhite in the world is its type locality - Komsomol'skii mine within the Talnakh copper-nickel deposit, on the Taimyr Peninsula in Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria Kharaelakhite does not form specimens in the collector's sense. Its value is purely scientific. Potentially, for specialized collections (so-called "micromounts"), a rock fragment with analytically confirmed presence of this mineral may have value. ## Popular Localities The only source of research material comes from the Talnakh deposit in Russia.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its microscopic nature and occurrence as inclusions within other minerals, isolated specimens of kharaelakhite do not exist in collections and do not require cleaning. ## What to Avoid All chemical and mechanical procedures that could damage the host rock containing the mineral grains should be avoided. ## Storage Rock specimens containing kharaelakhite should be stored under stable conditions, away from moisture and contaminants, preferably in labeled micromount boxes.

External references

Sources

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