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

No image

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, so Kalungaite leaves black, Cobaltite leaves greyish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.