Metallic microinclusions of the extremely rare Ir-Pt mineral malanite in unspecified golden sulphides, from a cotype locality in Malan, China (Malan River Valley, Zunhua County, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China). Associated minerals after the label are olivine, serpentine and pyroxene. The specimen is polished on two sides because it was analyzed by the former owner of the specimen (the Vandenbroucke Museum). Ex Vandenbroucke Museum collection from Waregem, Belgium. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Malanite
Malanite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula Cu¹⁺(Ir³⁺Pt⁴⁺)S₄.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group Fd3m). It is a member of the Spinel structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5; Black streak; Metallic. R: (400) —, (420) —, (440) —, (460) 34.8, (480) 35.3, (500) 35.8, (520) 36.3, (540) 36.5, (560) 36.7 luster.
IMA symbol Mla, IMA status: approved, named in 1995.
Found in peridotite-type platinum ores with Cu–Ni sulfides (Malan Valley, China).
It is found associated with Pentlandite, pyrrhotite, bornite, magnetite, cooperite, sperrylite, moncheite, platinum, olivine, pyroxenes, serpentine, chlorite (Malan Valley, China).
Apparently for the Malan Valley, China.