Milotaite is an extremely rare palladium antimony telluride mineral discovered in the Czech Republic. It is typically found as microscopic grains embedded within sulfide-rich hydrothermal ores, making it a highly sought-after species for mineralogical research and advanced collections.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Milotaite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this milotaite?

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 milotaite with a known reference. Milotaite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Milotaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Milotaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside milotaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdSbTe
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.3-6.5 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find milotaite

Classic worldwide localities

Cerný Důl, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where milotaite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify milotaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, white.

Where is milotaite found?+

Notable localities include Cerný Důl, Czech Republic.

How much is milotaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is milotaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like milotaite?+

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

What minerals are found with milotaite?+

Milotaite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does milotaite form in?+

Milotaite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is milotaite used for?+

Milotaite is used in collector.

Find milotaite on the map

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