Mineral Database

Mineral Database

Platinum

Crystal System: Cubic
Formula: Pt
Status of Occurrence: Unconfirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Platinum
Method(s) of Verification: none.
Chemical Group:
  • Elements & Alloys
Geological Context:
  • Igneous
  • Hydrothermal : mesothermal polymetallic veins
  • Sedimentary
  • Metamorphic
Introduction: platinum occurs as a sometimes valuable associate of copper, iron and nickel sulphides in magmatic sulphide deposits hosted by basic and ultrabasic rocks and in placer deposits derived by their erosion. It occurs very rarely in hydrothermal vein systems.
Occurrence in Wales: platinum is one of a number of minerals that were recorded from the Dolgellau Gold-belt by Readwin (1888). It was stated to be present in the placers of the Afon Mawddach and Afon Gain, but has not been found since despite a great deal of prospecting activity. The report is therefore considered to be highly dubious in the absence of further data.
Key Localities:
There are no key localities for this specimen.
References:
  • Readwin, T.A., 1888 Gold in Wales.  London, 12pp.