Platinum is primarily found in the gold-bearing sands of South Africa, Russia, and Colombia. These countries possess the geological conditions ideal for platinum recovery.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- South Africa: The Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa is the world's largest source of platinum.
- Russia: Russia is the second-largest producer of platinum, with significant deposits in the Norilsk-Talnakh region.
- Colombia: Colombia is the third-largest producer, with platinum found in placer deposits associated with gold.
Platinum often occurs in association with other platinum group metals (PGMs), such as palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. It's typically found in:
- Igneous rocks: Specifically, ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks, where it crystallizes from magma.
- Placer deposits: Weathering and erosion can release platinum from its original rock source, and it can then be concentrated in riverbeds and other alluvial deposits. These are often referred to as "gold-bearing sands."
In summary, while platinum can be found in various geological formations, the largest and most economically viable deposits are currently located in South Africa, Russia, and Colombia, particularly within specific geological regions like the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
