Taimyrite

Chemical formula: (Pd,Pt)<sub>9</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>Sn<sub>4</sub>

A rare stannide of palladium, copper, and platinum, occurring as fine, metallic grains in copper-nickel ores.

## Characteristics Taimyrite-I is a metallic mineral typically found as small, irregular grains, often intergrown with other platinum-group minerals (PGM). It is characterized by a creamy-white or tin-white color and is completely opaque. ## Physical Properties The mineral's Mohs hardness is approximately 4.5-5. It has a strong, metallic luster and is opaque. Its density is very high, around 11.97 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties It occurs in creamy-white and tin-white shades. No named varieties are distinguished. ## History and Name The name comes from the Taimyr Peninsula in Russia, where the mineral was discovered. The originally described "taimyrite" was discredited, and the current, IMA-approved form is named taimyrite-I (ang. Taimyrite-I), to distinguish it from the original definition. It was described as a new species in 1993 by T.L. Evstigneeva and co-workers. ## Applications Due to its extreme rarity, it has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of scientific and collector interest.

Properties

Mohs hardness
4.5-5
Luster
Metallic
Density
11.97
Cleavage
None
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification in a collection is based on its metallic luster, creamy-white color, and co-occurrence with other platinum-group minerals. Definitive identification is only possible using advanced analytical techniques, such as X-ray microanalysis (EDS/WDS), due to the small grain size. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other palladium stannides (e.g., stannopalladinite), platinum alloys, and even native silver. Visual distinction from associated minerals is practically impossible and requires chemical analysis. ## Crystal forms It occurs as anhedral (irregular), rounded grains, usually not exceeding 0.2 mm in size. It does not form well-developed crystals.

Geological environment

## Genesis It forms in the late stages of magmatic processes within mafic and ultramafic intrusions. It is associated with platinum-group element-rich copper and nickel sulfide ores. ## Mineral associations It co-occurs with other platinum-group minerals, such as paolovite, stannopalladinite, sperrylite, kotulskite, as well as with chalcopyrite, cubanite, talnakhite, pentlandite, and native silver. ## Localities The main occurrence (type locality) is the Oktyabrsky mine in the Talnakh deposit (Norilsk) on the Taimyr Peninsula, Russia. It has also been reported in the Great Dyke intrusion in Zimbabwe and the Sudbury Complex in Canada.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria For microminerals such as taimyrite-I, the main criterion of value is scientific confirmation of the species. The value of a specimen is enhanced by rich intergrowths with other rare minerals and the size of the grains, even if they are sub-millimeter. ## Popular localities The most classic and prized specimens come from deposits in the Norilsk-Talnakh region in Russia.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens should only be dry-cleaned, using a soft brush to remove dust. Ultrasonic cleaners or water should not be used. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with strong acids, which can damage the mineral's surface. As a mineral occurring in microscopic grains, it is very susceptible to mechanical damage. ## Storage The safest storage method is a specialized "micromount" box, which protects the specimen from dust, shocks, and damage.

Sources

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