Froodite is an extremely rare palladium-bismuthide mineral typically found as microscopic grains within massive sulfide ore bodies. Collectors usually acquire it as rare inclusions within samples from major platinum-group metal mines like the Sudbury district.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Froodite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this froodite?

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 froodite with a known reference. Froodite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Froodite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Froodite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sperrylite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 2.5).

Often found alongside froodite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdBi₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 10.05 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-copper Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find froodite

Classic worldwide localities

Frood Mine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Norilsk, Russia
Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-copper sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where froodite typically forms. If you start seeing pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify froodite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, silver-white.

Where is froodite found?+

Notable localities include Frood Mine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA; Norilsk, Russia; Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

How much is froodite worth?+

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

Is froodite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth and palladium; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Always wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like froodite?+

Froodite is most often confused with Sperrylite, Kotulskite, Michenerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with froodite?+

Froodite commonly co-occurs with Pentlandite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrrhotite, Sperrylite, Moncheite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does froodite form in?+

Froodite typically forms in nickel-copper sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is froodite used for?+

Froodite is used in collector.

Find froodite on the map

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