Kalungaite is a very rare palladium arsenic selenide mineral primarily found in hydrothermal deposits. It is typically identified as tiny, metallic, opaque grains associated with other sulfides and sulfosalts.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCobaltite Group family

Kalungaite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this kalungaite?

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 kalungaite with a known reference. Kalungaite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kalungaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kalungaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cobaltite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kalungaite leaves black, Cobaltite leaves greyish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kalungaite leaves black, Gersdorffite leaves grayish-black.

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Often found alongside kalungaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdAsSe
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 7.52 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 micro to thumbnail

Where rockhounds find kalungaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kalungwishi River, Zambia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where kalungaite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, galena 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 kalungaite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is kalungaite found?+

Notable localities include Kalungwishi River, Zambia.

How much is kalungaite worth?+

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

Is kalungaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and selenium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking or grinding specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kalungaite?+

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

What minerals are found with kalungaite?+

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

What kind of rock does kalungaite form in?+

Kalungaite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kalungaite used for?+

Kalungaite is used in collector.

Find kalungaite on the map

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