Konderite is an extremely rare platinum-group mineral typically found in the heavy mineral concentrates of ultramafic complexes. Collectors usually identify it through laboratory analysis as it appears as tiny, inconspicuous metallic grains alongside other platinum-group minerals.
Is this konderite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch konderite with a known reference. Konderite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Konderite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Konderite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Konderite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside konderite
Minerals reported to co-occur with konderite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cu,Fe)₃(Rh,Pt,Ir)₈S₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 6.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Alkaline Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-500 micro-mount, $500+ specimen
Where rockhounds find konderite
Classic worldwide localities
- Konder Massif, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic alkaline complexes country — that is the host setting where konderite typically forms. If you start seeing platiniridium, cooperite, laurite 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
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Find konderite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
