Cabriite is an extremely rare palladium-tin-copper mineral found as microscopic inclusions within copper-nickel sulfide deposits. It is best identified through reflected light microscopy or microprobe analysis within larger sulfide assemblages, as it rarely forms identifiable hand-specimen crystals.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareMineral species family

Cabriite

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

Is this cabriite?

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 cabriite with a known reference. Cabriite 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. Cabriite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cabriite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-white, bright metallic.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains and inclusions within other sulfide minerals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Cabriite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1.5).

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Often found alongside cabriite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₂SnCu
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 10.4-10.5 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-white Bright Metallic
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains and Inclusions Within Other Sulfide Minerals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-nickel Sulfide Ores in Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per microscopic grain mount

Where rockhounds find cabriite

Classic worldwide localities

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

Field-hunting tip

Look in copper-nickel sulfide ores in ultramafic rocks country, the host setting where cabriite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, cubanite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains and inclusions within other sulfide minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cabriite?+

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

Where is cabriite found?+

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

How much is cabriite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per microscopic grain mount. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is cabriite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains heavy metals; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust if cut or polished. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like cabriite?+

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

What minerals are found with cabriite?+

Cabriite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Pentlandite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cabriite form in?+

Cabriite typically forms in copper-nickel sulfide ores in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cabriite used for?+

Cabriite is used in collector.

Find cabriite on the map

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