Platinum Ore Bushveld Complex - South Africa

Rare South African Platinum Ore - Bushveld Complex

This authentic specimen is sourced from the world-renowned Merensky Reef, the most significant source of Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) on Earth. It offers a rare opportunity to own a scientific-grade sample of platiniferous pyroxenite from the historic 1924 Merensky discovery.

Platinum Ore - Famous Merensky Reef, South Africa

This rare specimen is a platinum-bearing ore sourced from the renowned Merensky Reef, the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. This unique material contains a rich array of platinum group elements (PGEs), including platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. These elements, often referred to as PGMs (platinum group metals), share similar physical and chemical properties and are typically found together in nature.

Historical Significance

The initial recovery of platinum in South Africa began in the East Rand gold mines. The first dedicated platinum mine, however, was a short-lived operation near Naboomspruit, which exploited a few sparse quartz reefs. The discovery of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) deposits in 1924 by geologist Hans Merensky marked a significant milestone. Merensky's prospecting efforts traced the Bushveld Igneous Complex for several hundred kilometers, revealing the world's largest reserves of PGEs.

Geological Importance

The Bushveld Igneous Complex is estimated to contain approximately 75% of the world's platinum and about 50% of the world's palladium resources. Extensive mining of the Merensky Reef for its platinum metals became economically viable in the 1950s due to a surge in demand for PGEs, making their extraction highly lucrative.

Specimen Details

• Size of Specimen: 25mm X 18mm X 13mm
• Size of perky: 1 1/4 X 1 1/4 X 1 3/8 inches.

What's Included

• Certificate of Authenticity
• Label and Information
• Protective perky case

Please note that the photo cube is not included.

Add this rare platinum ore specimen from the Bushveld Complex, the source of 75% of the world's platinum, from South Africa today! Limited supply.

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity.