Michenerite is a rare palladium-bismuth-telluride mineral typically found as microscopic grains within massive sulfide ores. It is primarily identified in laboratory or reflected-light microscopy settings due to its small size and tendency to occur as an accessory in platinum-group element deposits.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineraluncommon

Michenerite

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

Is this michenerite?

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 michenerite with a known reference. Michenerite 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. 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: silver white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sperrylite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 2.5).

How to tell apart: Kotulskite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 2.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside michenerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdBiTe
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 9.5 g/cm³
Colors: Silver white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A principal palladium mineral in Cu–Ni sulfide deposits

Where rockhounds find michenerite

Classic worldwide localities

New Rambler Cu–Ni mine, Medicine Bow Mountains, east of Encampment, Albany Co., Wyoming, USA
Stillwater complex, Montana, USA
Frood (type locality), Ontario, Canada
Pipe mine, Manitoba, Canada
Wellgreen deposit, Yukon Territory, Canada
Las Aguilas deposit, San Luis Province, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A principal palladium mineral in Cu–Ni sulfide deposits. If you start seeing testibiopalladite, froodite, merenskyite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify michenerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include silver white.

Where is michenerite found?+

Notable localities include New Rambler Cu–Ni mine, Medicine Bow Mountains, east of Encampment, Albany Co., Wyoming, USA; Stillwater complex, Montana, USA; Frood (type locality), Ontario, Canada; Pipe mine, Manitoba, Canada; Wellgreen deposit, Yukon Territory, Canada.

Is michenerite safe to handle?+

Contains tellurium and bismuth; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like michenerite?+

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

What minerals are found with michenerite?+

Michenerite commonly co-occurs with Testibiopalladite, Froodite, Merenskyite, Moncheite, Kotulskite, Melonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does michenerite form in?+

Where it forms: A principal palladium mineral in Cu–Ni sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is michenerite used for?+

Michenerite is used in collector.

Find michenerite on the map

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