Atokite is a rare palladium-tin alloy typically found as minute grains within platinum-group mineral deposits. It is most commonly identified through microscopic analysis of polished sections in ore bodies, particularly within layered igneous complexes.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAlloy family

Atokite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this atokite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch atokite with a known reference. Atokite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Atokite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Atokite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Atokite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Atokite leaves black, Paolovite leaves greyish black.

Often found alongside atokite

Minerals reported to co-occur with atokite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃Sn
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 14.9 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount

Where rockhounds find atokite

Classic worldwide localities

Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa
Stillwater Complex, USA
Norilsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where atokite typically forms. If you start seeing sperrylite, cooperite, braggite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify atokite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is atokite found?+

Notable localities include Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa; Stillwater Complex, USA; Norilsk, Russia.

How much is atokite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is atokite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains palladium and tin; dust should not be inhaled. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like atokite?+

Atokite is most often confused with Paolovite, Zvyagintsevite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with atokite?+

Atokite commonly co-occurs with Sperrylite, Cooperite, Braggite, Magnetite, Pentlandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does atokite form in?+

Atokite typically forms in ultramafic igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is atokite used for?+

Atokite is used in collector.

Find atokite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.