Sudovikovite

Chemical formula: PtSe<sub>2</sub>

Sudovikovite is an extremely rare platinum selenide with a metallic luster, found in copper-nickel deposits.

## Characteristics Sudovikovite is a platinum selenide, most often occurring as very small, anhedral (irregular) grains, usually not exceeding several tens of micrometers in size. It typically forms intergrowths with other platinum-group minerals (PGM). It is an opaque mineral, with a creamy-white color with a yellowish tint and a strong, metallic luster. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by relatively low hardness, approximately 2.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is quite soft. Its density is very high, 9.38 g/cm³, which is typical for platinum-bearing minerals. It has perfect cleavage in one direction. ## Colors and Varieties Sudovikovite has a characteristic creamy-white color, often with a distinct yellowish or pinkish tint. No color varieties or commercial varieties are known. ## History and Name The mineral's name honors Nikolai Georgievich Sudovikov (1903-1966), a Russian specialist in petrology and metamorphism of Precambrian rocks. Sudovikovite was first described in 1996 based on material from the Oktyabrskoye copper-nickel deposit in the Norilsk region of Russia. ## Applications Due to its extreme rarity, sudovikovite has no industrial application. It is solely an object of scientific interest and a valuable acquisition for specialized collectors of rare minerals.

Properties

Mohs hardness
2.5
Luster
Metallic
Streak
Black
Density
9.38
Cleavage
Perfect on {0001}
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Trigonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of sudovikovite is almost exclusively possible using advanced laboratory techniques, such as reflected light ore microscopy and chemical analysis using an electron microprobe (EPMA). In microscopic examination, it is distinguished by its creamy-yellowish color, strong metallic luster, and anisotropy. Macroscopic identification is impossible. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Sudovikovite can be confused with other platinum-group selenides and tellurides, such as insizwaite (PtBi₂), moncheite (PtTe₂), or kotulskite (Pd(Te,Bi)). Definitive differentiation requires confirmation of chemical composition – the dominance of selenium with simultaneous absence or trace amounts of tellurium and bismuth is crucial. ## Crystal Forms This mineral forms exclusively anhedral, irregularly shaped grains and aggregates of microscopic size. Tabular or platy forms are rarely observed.

Geological environment

## Genesis Sudovikovite forms as a result of hydrothermal processes in the final stages of magma crystallization within differentiated mafic and ultramafic intrusions. It is associated with copper and nickel ore mineralization rich in platinum-group elements. ## Mineral Associations It most often co-occurs with copper and iron sulfides, such as bornite, chalcopyrite, cubanite, and talnakhite. It is also accompanied by other platinum-group minerals, including kotulskite, maslovite, majakite, moncheite, palarite, sobolevskite, and sperrylite. ## Localities The most important and type locality for sudovikovite is the Oktyabrskoye Cu-Ni deposit in the Talnakh and Norilsk region of Siberia, Russia. Its presence has also been reported in the Great Dyke intrusion in Zimbabwe and the Sudbury Complex in Ontario, Canada.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria For a microscopic mineral like sudovikovite, the main criterion of value is the certainty of identification confirmed by chemical analysis. From a collector's perspective, the most desirable specimens are those where sudovikovite grains are relatively "large" (visible under a microscope) and occur in a rich association with other rare platinum-group minerals. ## Popular Localities By far the most valued and known specimens, serving as a reference for this mineral, come from the Norilsk region in Russia.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Sudovikovite specimens, due to the microscopic size of the grains, practically do not require cleaning. Any attempts at mechanical or chemical cleaning can damage the delicate grains. If necessary, dust can be removed with a gentle stream of compressed air. ## What to Avoid Contact with acids and other chemicals should be absolutely avoided. The mineral is soft, so it must be protected from scratching and any abrasion. Ultrasonic cleaners should not be used. ## Storage Sudovikovite specimens are best stored in specialized micromount boxes, which protect them from dust, mechanical damage, and changes in humidity. Exposure to polluted air should be avoided.

External references

Sources

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