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, 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.