Maslovite

Chemical formula: PtBiTe

Maslovite is a rare platinum tellurobismuthide, forming tiny, metallic inclusions in other sulfides and tellurides.

## Characteristics Maslovite is a very rare mineral from the sulfide group, specifically a platinum tellurobismuthide. It occurs as very small, irregular grains or lamellar inclusions within other minerals, mainly copper, nickel, and iron sulfides, and other tellurides. Its size rarely exceeds fractions of a millimeter, making it a mineral almost exclusively available to scientific institutions and specialized micromineral collections. When observed under a microscope, it has a metallic luster and a creamy-white color, often with a pinkish or yellowish tint. ## Physical Properties Due to the small size of the grains, most physical properties are difficult to measure precisely. Hardness on the Mohs scale is estimated at approximately 3.5. The mineral is opaque and has a strong, metallic luster. Its density is very high, approximately 10.14 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties Maslovite is an idiochromatic mineral, meaning its color is constant and results directly from its chemical composition. Observed in reflected light, it is creamy-white, sometimes with a pinkish or yellowish tint. It does not form color varieties or commercial varieties. ## History and Name The mineral was first described in 1970 by A.D. Genkin, T.L. Evstigneeva, I.P. Laputina, and N.V. Troneva. The name "maslovite" was given in honor of Georgy Dmitrievich Maslov (1915-1968), a Russian geologist who made significant contributions to geological research in the Norilsk region of Siberia, where this mineral was discovered. ## Applications Maslovite has no industrial applications. Its significance is purely scientific and collector-oriented, as a rare member of the platinum group minerals.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Density: 0
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Isometric

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of maslovite is possible only through advanced laboratory techniques. Under a reflected light ore microscope, it is distinguished by its creamy-white color with a pinkish tint and strong metallic luster. It is anisotropic. Definitive confirmation requires chemical composition analysis (e.g., using an electron microprobe - EDS/WDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other platinum group element tellurides, such as moncheite (PtTe₂) or merenskyite (PdTe₂), as well as other bright ore minerals. Visual differentiation is practically impossible and requires specialized analytical equipment. ## Crystal Forms Maslovite crystallizes in the isometric system. It usually forms very fine, anhedral (irregular) grains ranging from a few to several hundred micrometers in size, often as inclusions in other minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Maslovite is a hydrothermal mineral associated with copper-nickel sulfide deposits in magmatic rocks such as gabbro, norite, and pyroxenite. It forms in the late stages of magma crystallization, through metasomatic processes where platinum group element-rich solutions react with previously crystallized sulfides. ## Mineral Associations It most commonly co-occurs with chalcopyrite, bornite, millerite, pentlandite, as well as other platinum group minerals such as sperrylite, kotulskite, moncheite, merenskyite, sobolevskite, and native metals (gold, silver). ## Localities The most important and classic maslovite localities are in Russia, within the copper-nickel deposits of the Norilsk region (e.g., Oktyabrsky mine) and on the Kola Peninsula (Fedorovo-Pansky massif). It is also known from the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, the Sudbury deposit in Canada, and several other occurrences in Finland and Brazil.

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria In the case of such a rare micromineral as maslovite, the only criterion for evaluation is the certainty of its identification. The most valuable specimens are those in which maslovite grains are relatively "large" (above 50-100 micrometers), well-formed, and occur in rich association with other rare tellurides and platinum group minerals. Specimens from the type locality (Norilsk) are particularly valued by research institutions. ## Popular Localities Undoubtedly, the most well-known and scientifically valued specimens come from the Norilsk region deposits in Russia. Research material also comes from the Bushveld Complex (South Africa) and Sudbury (Canada), which are classic localities for platinum group minerals.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Maslovite specimens are typically microscopic inclusions in polished sections or in host rock. They do not require and should not be subjected to mechanical or chemical cleaning. Protecting them from dust is sufficient. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with any chemicals, acids, and bases. Specimens should not be exposed to ultrasound. As a metallic mineral, it is susceptible to oxidation in humid environments, so moisture should be avoided. ## Storage Micromineral specimens containing maslovite are best stored in specialized, airtight "micromount" boxes, which protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. Polished sections should be stored in a dry place to prevent surface tarnishing.

External references

https://www.mindat.org/min-2585.html