Platinum

Metallic platinum grains from panned concentrate. Notice a few grains of gold are also present. From a placer deposit along the Tulameen River, British Columbia, Canada. Field of view about 6 mm left to right. (Photo by W. Cordua.)

Formula: Pt Isometric

Description:

Platinum is a rare mineral found in ultramafic rocks or in placers derived from them.

PIERCE COUNTY: Small particles of platinum were reportedly found during placer mining operations for gold along Plum Creek within the confines of what is now Nugget Lake County Park. Diamonds, garnet and topaz were reportedly associated (Colvin, 1977).