Kotulskite is a rare palladium telluride mineral typically found as microscopic inclusions within copper-nickel sulfide ores. It is primarily identified in polished sections through ore microscopy due to its small grain size and metallic, white-to-gray appearance. It is highly valued by mineral collectors specializing in rare platinum-group element minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kotulskite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this kotulskite?

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 kotulskite with a known reference. Kotulskite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kotulskite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kotulskite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, pinkish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other sulfides.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kotulskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdTe
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 9.5-9.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Pinkish-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Sulfides
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or specimen

Where rockhounds find kotulskite

Classic worldwide localities

Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Lac des Iles, Ontario, Canada
Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where kotulskite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other sulfides habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kotulskite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray, pinkish-white.

Where is kotulskite found?+

Notable localities include Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA; Lac des Iles, Ontario, Canada; Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

How much is kotulskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kotulskite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium, which is toxic; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kotulskite?+

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

What minerals are found with kotulskite?+

Kotulskite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Pyrrhotite, Cubanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kotulskite form in?+

Kotulskite typically forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kotulskite used for?+

Kotulskite is used in collector.

Find kotulskite on the map

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