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

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Kojonenite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this kojonenite?

3-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
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-white.
3
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.

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
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a sulfide-rich intercumulus segregation in a Pt-bearing zone in a layered mafic igneous intrusion

Where rockhounds find kojonenite

Classic worldwide localities

Koukku deposit, Finland
Stillwater Complex, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a sulfide-rich intercumulus segregation in a Pt-bearing zone in a layered mafic igneous intrusion. If you start seeing kotulskite, more rarely, cubanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kojonenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Common colors include pinkish-white.

Where is kojonenite found?+

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

Is kojonenite safe to handle?+

Contains tellurium and palladium; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

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, More rarely, Cubanite, Pentlandite, Pyrrhotite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kojonenite form in?+

Where it forms: In a sulfide-rich intercumulus segregation in a Pt-bearing zone in a layered mafic igneous intrusion. 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.