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, 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.
