Kojonenite is an extremely rare palladium telluride mineral typically found as microscopic grains in complex ore deposits. It is best identified through reflected-light microscopy and electron microprobe analysis due to its small size and similarity to other platinum-group minerals.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Kojonenite

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

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Is this kojonenite?

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 kojonenite with a known reference. Kojonenite 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. Kojonenite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kojonenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Kojonenite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5).

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Often found alongside kojonenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₇SnTe₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.74 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Mafic/ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find kojonenite

Classic worldwide localities

Koukku deposit, Finland
Stillwater Complex, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in mafic/ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where kojonenite typically forms. If you start seeing kotulskite, telluropalladinite, sperrylite 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 kojonenite?+

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

Where is kojonenite found?+

Notable localities include Koukku deposit, Finland; Stillwater Complex, USA.

How much is kojonenite worth?+

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

Is kojonenite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like kojonenite?+

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

What minerals are found with kojonenite?+

Kojonenite commonly co-occurs with Kotulskite, Telluropalladinite, Sperrylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kojonenite form in?+

Kojonenite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in mafic/ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kojonenite used for?+

Kojonenite is used in collector.

Find kojonenite on the map

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