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.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinell Group family

Konderite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this konderite?

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 konderite with a known reference. Konderite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Laurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 5.5); streak differs, so Konderite leaves black, Laurite leaves dark gray.

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.

Erlichmanite
mineral · Mohs 4.5-5.5

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCu₃Rh₈S₁₆
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: Steel gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic crystals
Cleavage: In two directions, “average”
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As inclusions in a Pt–Fe alloy from an alkalic ultramafic massif

Where rockhounds find konderite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder massif, Aldan Shield, Sakha, Russia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As inclusions in a Pt–Fe alloy from an alkalic ultramafic massif. If you start seeing pt–fe alloy, erlichmanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify konderite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include steel gray.

Where is konderite found?+

Notable localities include Konder massif, Aldan Shield, Sakha, Russia (type locality).

Is konderite safe to handle?+

Konderite contains copper and lead. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like konderite?+

Konderite is most often confused with Cooperite, Laurite, Sperrylite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with konderite?+

Konderite commonly co-occurs with Pt–Fe alloy, Erlichmanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does konderite form in?+

Where it forms: As inclusions in a Pt–Fe alloy from an alkalic ultramafic massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is konderite used for?+

Konderite is used in collector.

Find konderite on the map

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