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

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAlloy family

Atokite

Hardness: 5
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 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white.
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, so Atokite leaves black, Paolovite leaves grayish 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: 5
Density: 14.9 g/cm³
Colors: White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As very sparse grains in concentrates of ore (Merensky Reef, South Africa)

Where rockhounds find atokite

Classic worldwide localities

Atok (type locality) and Rustenburg mines, on the Merensky Reef, Bushveld complex, Transvaal, South Africa
Oktyabr mine, Talnakh area, Noril’sk region, western Siberia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As very sparse grains in concentrates of ore (Merensky Reef, South Africa). If you start seeing unspecified platinum tellurides, keithconnite, palladoarsenide in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify atokite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include white.

Where is atokite found?+

Notable localities include Atok (type locality) and Rustenburg mines, on the Merensky Reef, Bushveld complex, Transvaal, South Africa; Oktyabr mine, Talnakh area, Noril’sk region, western Siberia, Russia.

Is atokite safe to handle?+

Contains palladium and tin; dust should not be inhaled. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

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 Unspecified platinum tellurides, Keithconnite, Palladoarsenide. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does atokite form in?+

Where it forms: As very sparse grains in concentrates of ore (Merensky Reef, South Africa). 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.