Majakite is an extremely rare palladium-nickel arsenide mineral found primarily in copper-nickel sulfide deposits associated with layered igneous complexes. It typically occurs as tiny, metallic inclusions within other ore minerals, making identification difficult without microscopic analysis or electron microprobe study.
Is this majakite?
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 majakite with a known reference. Majakite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Majakite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Majakite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pale brass-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.
Often confused with
Majakite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Majakite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Majakite leaves black, Palladinite leaves yellow; luster reads metallic on Majakite and dull on Palladinite.
How to tell apart: Majakite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5).
Often found alongside majakite
Minerals reported to co-occur with majakite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PdNiAs
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 9.52 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Layered Mafic-ultramafic Igneous Intrusions
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find majakite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monchegorsk district, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in layered mafic-ultramafic igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where majakite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, moncheite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify majakite?+
Where is majakite found?+
How much is majakite worth?+
Is majakite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like majakite?+
What minerals are found with majakite?+
What kind of rock does majakite form in?+
What is majakite used for?+
Find majakite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
